Seeing "Authority" for What It Really Is

Sadly, some people are "spiritually abused" in churches, as they are told to not "question authority" or to "respect authority" regardless of the situation. How should we respond as Christians?

Jesus said there was false spiritual authority. Matthew 23:1 says, "Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying,'The scribes and the Pharisees have SEATED THEMSELVES in the chair of Moses.'" That was not a literal chair, of course, but it was the seat of authority. He pointed out that they seated themselves in a position given only by God, and they had taken it for themselves.

So, this is a good verse to give a pastor who is not glorifying God in his position yet "requiring" others to submit to his "authority." The same goes for me in leadership. If I ever get to the place of believing that I don't have to submit myself to the Bible (God forbid!), I should not be in leadership.