Do You Have Authority to Succeed? How come?

I fully understand those questions. And I've lived with those questions. (Sometimes at 3:00 AM!)

And, they're legitimate, especially when you're being entrusted with responsibility, money or leadership. (You don't let your third grader drive a car! Yep!)

However, in a world that values letters after names, resume titles, big numbers and who's who endorsements, there really are some sources of authority and empowerment that can , at times, be overlooked. Way overlooked!

[cryout-pullquote s the sources of credibility that many of the leaders and influencers who shaped the world had.... including names like Abraham Lincoln, Billy Graham, Heidi Baker and even Jesus....

1. Passion.

Not hype passion, but deep-seeded and authentically held. This passion often erupts from the experience of lack, pain, deprivation or injustice. It's the passion that fuels people who would NEVER even speak in public to speak before many thousands and

Authority that really cares far exceeds and outshines authority that's taken a bunch of tests and passed.

I watch my friend and fellow coach Shelby Ketchenrisk starting a new coaching business to help widows and those in grief because she lost her husband... and learned how to not just survive, but thrive. She now helps others! It's about passion.

2. Proficiency.

Whether latent, unexpressed or needing development, gifting and skill do matter. Passionate vocalists may still stink!

But, when you have gifts to teach, write, strategize, create, relate, build business, sell..... and you use those, your authority grows. But, if you have them and don't use them, it ain't gonna grow!

3. Persistance

I would love to leave this one of the list, but even those who have #1 and 2, the fact remains: few things are created and developed over night. Particularly things that matter!

You will likely need to persist and overcome all those who say, legitimately, or illegitimately, "Who are you?" "What do you have to offer?" "You don't have enough letters after your name!"

4. Power of the Holy Spirit

This is one of the most under-valued and untried powers available to change, not just religion - but change business. Change politics. Change the arts. Change the world!

Jesus was pretty clear that His authority and His power came, not from his own clever abilities, platform or popularity.

Jesus promised His followers (including you if you're one) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you shall be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:8)

I must admit, I am a novice in accessing the full power of the Spirit, but I am very confident that those who live in this power are not weirdos or religious freaks, but the most confident, loving and world-changing people on the planet. They access the power that created the universe to create great things on the earth today.

If God's empowers your calling, what can stop you?? Talk about authority!

This is the kind of power that enables you to see what others don't or can't see. The Power that enables you to create out of love and not self-tenderness. The Power to create what lasts. The Power to overcome what's impossible and create miracles. Even miracles in business, creativity or organization!

I agree, that for all those who want the clear-cut path of easy resume building, this list may not seem to help.... Or would it??

And should you first have a platform --- then get those things? Or might those who authentically access these 4 - Passion, Proficiency, Persistence, Power... be those who ultimately gain a platform?? One that will last.

&nbsp Proud stallion standing on top of a cliff "Why should anyone listen to you?"