A Word to the Reader

If you have opened these pages, thank you. Whether you have journeyed with me through Who Made You Judge? or this is your first encounter with my writing, I am grateful you are here. It is a privilege to share what I believe the Lord has laid upon my heart.

Who Made You Judge? explored the human tendency to pass judgment before extending mercy. It invited readers to examine their own hearts and remember that judgment ultimately belongs to God. While that book focused on how we see others, this book asks us to consider how we see ourselves when we speak, lead, teach, and serve in the name of Christ.

As I prayed and reflected after completing that manuscript, another question continued to press upon my heart.

Who gave you authority?

This question is not directed toward those whom God has genuinely called and equipped for ministry. Rather, it is an invitation for every believer to examine the motives of the heart. Have we confused spiritual gifts with spiritual authority? Have titles become more important than servanthood? Have influence and recognition quietly replaced humility and obedience? Throughout these pages, my hope is to point every reader back to the One from whom all true authority flows, Jesus Christ.

Throughout these pages, I do not seek to condemn but to encourage. My desire is to point every reader back to Jesus Christ, whose authority was never used to elevate Himself but always to glorify the Father and serve others.

My prayer is that you read these chapters slowly. Allow Scripture to speak louder than opinion. Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart before examining someone else's.

If this book causes us to become more humble, more compassionate, and more like Christ, then its purpose has been fulfilled.

Thank you for reading.