The Nested Hierarchy - All Authority Flows From God

Authority Is Not Absolute

When someone has authority over you (they're heaven to your earth), that doesn't mean they can do whatever they want.

All human authority is borrowed. It comes from above and must align with what's above it.

If any level contradicts God, that authority becomes invalid.

Your Hospital Network Example

Imagine your team lead asks you to do a task. Simple question: Can you do it?

Not so fast. Let's check the nested chain:

Level 1: Team Lead's Request
"Configure the network this way."
↓ Does it align with...

Level 2: Your Direct Boss's Instructions
What has your boss told you about network policies?
↓ Does it align with...

Level 3: Your Manager's Manager's Directives
What are the department-wide standards?
↓ Does it align with...

Level 4: The Hospital CEO's Vision and Policies
What are the organizational values and rules?
↓ Does it align with...

Level 5: The Health Department's Regulations
What do government health and safety regulations require?
↓ Does it align with...

Level 6: The King of Norway's Laws
What does the law of the land say?
↓ Does it align with...

Level 7: The King of Kings (Jesus Christ)
What does Scripture teach?
↓ Does it align with...

Level 8: The Father's Will
What is God's ultimate purpose and character?

The Green Light Check

If ALL levels are "green" - aligned with each other - then you can execute the task with full authority.

If ANY level is "red" - contradicting what's above - then the authority at that level is INVALID.

Example: Invalid Authority

Team lead says: "Falsify this security report to make our department look better."

Let's check the chain:

• ❌ Your boss's instructions: Be honest in all reports
• ❌ CEO's policies: Integrity in all documentation
• ❌ Health regulations: Accurate reporting required by law
• ❌ Norwegian law: Fraud is illegal
• ❌ Christ's teaching: "You shall not bear false witness"
• ❌ Father's character: God cannot lie

Result: You must refuse. The team lead's authority is invalid at this point because it breaks the chain. It doesn't align with the levels above.

You're not being rebellious. You're recognizing that this person's authority doesn't actually extend to asking you to sin or break the law.

Example: Valid But Difficult Authority

Manager says: "We need you to work extra hours this week to finish the hospital launch."

Let's check:

• ✅ Boss agrees: Yes, this project needs completion
• ✅ CEO's vision: Hospital opening on time is priority
• ✅ Health regulations: Ensures patient safety systems ready
• ✅ Law of the land: Overtime work is legal
• ✅ Christ's teaching: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23)
• ✅ Father's character: God values diligent work and serving others

But wait - what about family time and rest?

Here you need wisdom:

• The authority is valid (it aligns all the way up)
• But you need to balance it with other valid authorities (care for family, Sabbath rest)
• You might say: "I can do 50 hours this week, but not 80, because God calls me to care for my family too"

You're not rejecting authority. You're balancing multiple valid authorities under God.

The Protection This Provides

This nested structure protects everyone:

Protects subordinates from tyranny:

• "My boss can't ask me to sin, because his authority doesn't override God's"
• You have a higher authority to appeal to
• Abuse can be named and resisted

Protects leaders from corruption:

• "I can't just do whatever I want - I answer to those above me"
• Leaders know they're accountable
• They'll give an account to God

Protects society from chaos:

• There IS real authority (structure exists)
• But no human has absolute authority (protection from dictatorship)
• Everyone knows there's a standard above personal preference

Protects God's glory:

• All authority flows from Him
• All authority must reflect His character
• When authority is used rightly, He gets the glory

Biblical Foundation

Romans 13:1 - "There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."

All legitimate authority comes FROM God. It's delegated, not original.

Acts 5:29 - "We must obey God rather than men."

When human authority contradicts God's authority, God wins. Always.

James 3:1 - "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."

Those in authority (heaven positions) will answer to God for how they used it. That's sobering.

How to Navigate This

When given an instruction, ask yourself:

1. Does this align with my immediate supervisor's direction?
2. Does this align with my organization's policies and vision?
3. Does this align with the law of the land?
4. Does this align with Scripture and God's character?
5. Does this align with what I know of the Father's will?

If all answers are "yes" → The authority is valid. Execute willingly as unto the Lord.

If ANY answer is "no" → The authority breaks at that point. You must respectfully refuse or seek clarification.

When Human Authority Contradicts God

Throughout history, Christians have faced this:

Daniel's friends: King commands worship of golden statue

• ❌ Contradicts: "You shall have no other gods before Me"
• They refused. Thrown in furnace. God protected them.

Apostles: Authorities command them to stop preaching Christ

• ❌ Contradicts: Jesus' command to "Go and make disciples"
• They refused. "We must obey God rather than men."

Your situation probably won't be that dramatic. But the principle holds:

When the nested chain breaks - when human authority clearly contradicts God - you follow God.

Not rebelliously. Not arrogantly. But with respectful firmness, knowing you answer to a higher authority.

Your Roles in the Hierarchy

Remember from Page 5: You're both heaven AND earth in different relationships.

As Earth (receiving authority):

• You must respect and obey the heaven above you
• Unless it contradicts God
• Then you respectfully appeal to the higher authority

As Heaven (exercising authority):

• You must ensure your directions align with what's above you
• You can't ask people under you to do what God forbids
• You'll answer to God for how you led

The nested structure keeps you humble in both directions:

• When leading: "I'm not ultimate authority, I answer to God"
• When following: "I obey unless it contradicts God, then I appeal higher"

The Visual

Think of it like Russian nesting dolls, or concentric circles:

Outermost circle: The Father's Will (ultimate heaven)
Next circle in: Jesus Christ (King of Kings)
Next circle in: Your nation's laws
Next circle in: Your industry regulations
Next circle in: Your organization's CEO
Next circle in: Your department head
Next circle in: Your direct supervisor
Center: You and your task

Each circle must fit inside the next. If any circle tries to break outside, the structure is invalid at that point.

Why This Gives Hope

Remember: This whole teaching is called "The Foundation for Hope."

The nested hierarchy gives hope because:

1. You're not alone - You're part of a structure that goes all the way to God
2. Abuse has limits - No human has absolute power over you
3. Your obedience matters - When you respect valid authority, you're honoring God
4. Your leadership matters - When you lead rightly, you're representing God
5. There's ultimate justice - Everyone will answer to God eventually

You can rest in the structure. You don't have to figure everything out alone. The hierarchy protects you and guides you.