In Something… We All Govern

 

In Something… We All Govern

 November 12 Tuesday Wisdom 2:23–3:9 Luke 17:7-10

Authority is not power; it is responsibility before God.



When we hear the word authority, we often think of the powerful — presidents, judges, or those who rule over others. But the Book of Wisdom reminds us that all authority, great or small, will one day be measured before God:

“Listen, you rulers of the earth… the Lord gave you power and will hold you accountable for it.” (Wisdom 6:1–3)

And the truth is, in one way or another, we all govern something: a family, a group, a workplace, or even just our own heart. To govern is not to dominate; it is to care for what has been entrusted to us, to serve with love, and to remember that our choices leave traces in the lives of others.

I remember the story of Santos, a man from my hometown. He was a good man, hardworking, and active in the life of the Church. But every weekend, he would go out, get drunk, and return home violent and angry. His family, out of fear, would sleep outside in the yard, among the banana and coffee plants, waiting for the storm to pass.

One Monday morning, after one of those terrible nights, his youngest son woke up early, brewed a pot of coffee, and took a cup to his father’s bedside. Surprised, Santos began to drink it. Then the boy said softly:

“Dad, I don’t want you to get drunk again.”
That moment pierced his father’s heart. No sermon could have reached him the way that simple act of tenderness did. From that day on, Santos changed.
Without knowing it, his son had exercised true authority — not through fear or strength, but through love. The boy had governed his father’s heart.

This is the kind of authority God calls us to: one that doesn’t oppress but guides, that doesn’t control but inspires. Whoever has influence, no matter how small, also carries responsibility — to lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity.

Today, the Lord reminds us that all of us govern something: a home, a classroom, a ministry, or even our own soul. And one day, God will not ask how much power we had, but how much love we showed when we used it.
So if you wonder what you govern, think of it this way:
It’s not about commanding — it’s about serving.
Not about control — but care.
Because in God’s kingdom, true authority is measured by tenderness.

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