Am I using the authority that I have been gifted for the creation and encouragement of life and vitality for others or for my own selfish gain?
The cultural west has outright disregarded any and all forms of authority. The rejection of such has been ingrained in every single piece of information or entertainment thrown our way in attempt to make ourselves the individualistic ruler of our own lives.
This contempt for authority is not a worldwide normality but a distinct characteristic of American society.
However, authority abuse is rampant in both culture and church - it is a blaring marker of the fall of mankind, the rejection of any and all authority figures and the abuse of any and all authority that we possess.