It is so easy to confuse power and authority.

Authority belongs to those
with the character, the wisdom and the compassion to command it.
Power is only authority's cheap substitute,
claimed on the basis of ascendancy
and held only by virtue of force.

The world looks for authority
and is too often kidnapped,
hijacked or tricked by power.

Power lasts only as long as force lasts.
The authority that comes
with just being yourself
lasts forever.

-Joan Chittister from God Speaks in Many Tongues