The humorous story is told that . . . .

An IRS examiner shows up at a ranch.  He is there to auditing a rancher’s property.
As the examination began the IRS says to the rancher that he has to actually look at all the property.
Rancher says, OK just do not go in the south pasture.
The IRS whips out his badge and says this authorizes me to go anywhere I need to go.
Rancher, shakes his head and responds with “You go do what you think you should do.”
Ten minutes pass and the rancher hears screams of terror from the south pasture.
Rancher goes to the fence and sees the IRS agent running as fast as he can, followed closely by the bull.
The IRS hollers to the rancher, “You gotta help me!”
Rancher thinks for a minute and yells back, “Show him your badge.”

. . . . . 

Key Biblical Thoughts:

• wisdom
• counsel
• authority
• stubbornness
• listening
• troubles
• arrogance
• pride

. . . .

Sermonic Example: There are several distinct ways that one can use illustrative material.  In this case, we are going to merely apply the story to life and living.

(After using the above humorous story)

Some individuals mistakenly wield their authority in this world.  They have the authority but lack the wisdom in how to use it.  That also happens to those in the church.  Those who have the authority, but lack the wisdom, fail to seek counsel or ignore the counsel they received.  They shout for help when facing “the bull” that is chasing them across the field.

That is what I Peter 2:20 speaks of . . .

“For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”

Merely because you have the authority to engage in this-or-that action does not mean you should not listen to the wise counsel of others about the wisdom of using that authority.  When you fail to do that, don’t be surprised by the results. . . .