Here is a great depiction of the difference between leadership and authoritarianism from the 1995 movie Braveheart.   

Authority relies on identity, on human greatness, on giving orders, on being better, on being ‘noble’.

Whereas leadership is an ability, a gift and it cares not who you are or who you are not, it cares not about titles or popularity.

Leadership sees things very clearly.

Authority often cannot see clearly, it is distracted by self-preservation and maintaining wealth and portraying image.

Authoritarianism is for amatures; it is not a organizing system cut out for accomplishing the important and weighty things of life. Perhaps this is why Jesus taught against the use of authoritarianism among his disciples and within his church. What the church of Jesus Christ is, is in compatible with authoritarianism.

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles  lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them, it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant. – Matthew 20:25-26 NASB

I have found that one of the most important skills in life is not confusing the two. Do not put much credibility in an authoritarian pretending to be a leader.

Happy New Year 2017 and thank you for reading this blog!