Those Who Rule with Authority Fall by Authority

A DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas and talks with an old rancher.

He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs."

The rancher says, "Okay, but do not go in that field over there," as he points out the location of the field.

The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, "Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government behind me." 

Reaching into a pocket, the agent removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher.

"See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish. On any land. No questions asked. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand me? "

The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and then goes about his chores.

A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull.....

With every step, the bull is gaining ground on the agent, and it seems likely that he'll get gored before he reaches safety.

The DEA agent is clearly terrified.

The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs...

-
 " Your badge. Show him your BADGE! "

Moral of the Story for Christians: The religious "authority" of pastors, priests, and church leaders is an institutional authority and should never be the basis for controlling others. There is greater power in the field of true religion. The Spirit of the Living God cannot be contained by denominationalism, religious authoritarianism, or institutional elitism.