servitio auctoritatis est

Authority is service to one another for the good of the other.  A good authority has the best interests and well being of those they have authority over as their primary concern.  Whether elected, appointed or anointed, authority is a call to service.  Authority can be defined as, “the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.”  In Matthew’s Gospel, Christ is asked by local authority figures, “By what authority are you doing these things?  And who gave you this authority?” (Matthew 21:23).  An interesting internal dialogue among the chief priests and elders ensues weighing their options of response to Jesus’ rebuttal.  Ultimately they admit that they do not know.  This questioning of authority, particularly of Jesus, during his ministry was not uncommon.  Questioning authority existed before Christ and exists up through the present day.  Accountability of authorities to the governed or ruled or most importantly those who have been entrusted to their care is far more acceptable in modern times.

Accountability of those in positions of power is paramount today and much easier to demand with modern communication.  Our leaders know they are accountable for all of the actions, or at the very least by virtue of their oaths of office they should know this truth.  How do we hold our authority figures accountable?  The options are quite wide ranging.  We might write letters to our elected officials expressing our opinions as constituents, we might sign a petition on behalf of an issue or we might take to the streets using our first amendment rights and freedom to assemble to make the desire of accountability both visible and audible.  However the most important measure we, as the governed, have to hold our authorities accountable is often the most quiet.  It isn’t available every day, but it is the most powerful.  This most important and most erighty yet simplest measure is at the ballot box.  If the consensus of the governed holding you accountable is supportive, you will be elected reelected, if the consensus is not supportive, you will not or at the least dissenting numbers might speak volumes.  

Leaders should consider that their every action must be done in the name and for the good of their people from whom their authority derives if elected.  It is this accountability that helps to further legitimize rule and leadership.  The consent of the governed is a founding principle of our nation.  Our American forefathers held accountable their royal governors and temporal powers and found them to be lacking in the care of their best interests.  As defined previously, the royal government was surely able to give orders, make decisions and enforce obedience, but at what cost?  There was no care or compassion which turned into a lack of consent as there was no service.  Service legitimizes authority.  This is a constant struggle with temporal powers.