When someone gives you power of attorney, they're not lending you their influence or hoping you'll use it well. They're signing over legal authority to act on their behalf — to speak with their voice, enforce their rights, and conduct business in their name as if they were personally present. Jesus gave the Church something that functions exactly this way. Most Christians have never used it.

Last time we examined who Jesus Christ actually is — God in the flesh, risen, seated at the right hand of the Father. Now we ask: what does that position of authority mean for you, specifically, in your daily life? What did He give you when He ascended?

The Bible teaches a clear doctrine of divine agency. In the business world, agency describes a relationship where one person (the agent) represents another (the principal) in legitimate business transactions.

There are two types of agents. A General Agent has authority to represent the principal in all business matters or in a particular type of business. A Special Agent is authorized to handle specific tasks—like selling a farm, buying a house, or completing a particular transaction.

Anyone capable of free and intelligent action can serve as either a principal or an agent. However, someone who lacks sound mind and understanding—such as a person who is mentally incapacitated—cannot act in either role.

An agent's authority can be established in three ways: by a sealed deed, by a written document, or simply by spoken word. When authority is given through a formal written document, it's called a power of attorney.

The principal is responsible for the agent's actions when the agent is conducting authorized business. If an agent hides who their principal is, the agent becomes personally responsible to third parties. An agent cannot appoint a substitute or pass their authority to someone else without the principal's consent.

Authority can be terminated in several ways:

• When the principal revokes it
• When the agent renounces the power
• When either party dies
• When the authorized time period expires
• When the principal's business goes bankrupt or is sold
• When either party becomes mentally incapacitated

Termination takes effect the moment both the agent and any third parties receive notice. An agent cannot receive personal profit from business transactions beyond their agreed salary or commission.

If you're dealing with an agent, you should investigate their authority. Always ask for evidence of an agent's authority before doing business with them.

When you need to delegate authority for signing notes, checks, or other legal documents, it's wise to create a written document and have it recorded in court. This document—the power of attorney—should be signed by the principal, witnessed, and acknowledged before an officer, just like a deed. It must clearly and explicitly state exactly what the agent has power to do.

Here's a simple example of what a power of attorney looks like:

"KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That, I, John Doe, of Atlanta, County of Fulton, and State of Georgia, have made, constituted and appointed, and BY THESE PRESENTS do make, constitute and appoint, John Smith, true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, place and stead, (here state the purpose for which the power is given), giving and granting unto my said attorney full power of authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever, requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully, to all intents and purposes, as I might or could do if personally present, with all power of substitution and revocation, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney or substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the second day of January, one thousand nine hundred and forty-nine.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of

John Doe (Seal)