7 That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.[a] 8 For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

9 Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health. (Luke 7:7-10 CSB)

We have a wrong view of authority today which stems from a deep lack of respect.

True authority works in only two ways; when respect is present or when there is a fear of consequences.

When you lose both respect and fear, authority breaks down.

You may say that this is an antiquated view, but no matter how antiquated it may be there is no real substitution.

Some may say in a utopian society that authority would not be necessary, yet, utopian society would rely completely upon respect for one another. And, sadly, we are far from anything even coming close this side of heaven.

Thus, authority relies upon rules with consequences. Even the Bible relies upon this as we must have a fear of God and the consequences of our actions.

Anything less is anarchy.