The word self-willed comes from the Greek term (authades), that is found two times in the New Testament. In Paul’s list of qualifications for elders in Titus 1:7, it is preceded by the word “not”, i.e. – “not self-willed.”
Thayer defines the term: self-pleasing, self-willed, arrogant. It comes from the root words autos (self) and hedomai (to please).
In 2 Peter 2:10, the word is used to describe the ungodly character of false teachers, and is coupled with the word presumptuous.
W.E. Vine states that it, “denotes one who, dominated by self-interest, and inconsiderate of others, arrogantly asserts his own will.”
Biblical leadership necessitates an attitude of service rather than entitlement. Peter establishes this in his admonition in 1 Peter 5:2-3, that the elder is not to serve “for dishonest gain” nor “as being lords over those entrusted to you.”
The self-willed person is not particularly concerned with how his decision affects others, because he is focused on his own pleasures and desires. It is an inherently selfish characteristic, and has no place in the Christian’s life. God calls us to humble ourselves, and to be selfless in our love for God and man.
There are few things as destructive to the welfare of God’s people than a self-willed man serving as an elder.
Click below to…
