Carrying Someone Else’s Seal: Faithfulness When You Hold Power of Attorney

The envelope came by courier from Florida. Inside was a document with a lot of stamps on it, and a note in her brother’s handwriting: “Sis, you know I trust you. Do what you think is best with Mama’s place.” With that, she could sign for him, speak to the attorney, deal with the tenants and, if it came to it, sell. She sat at the kitchen table for a long time before she put it away in the drawer with the Bible.

Many families, especially those spread between the islands and abroad, rely on someone at home to act for the others. It may be a formal power of attorney, or simply a spare key and a set of instructions. Either way, it means carrying someone else’s authority, and that is a serious thing.

The signet ring

In the ancient world a king’s signet ring was his signature. A document sealed with it carried his full authority. Near the end of the book of Haggai, God speaks to Zerubbabel, the governor who was leading the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the exile:

“‘On that day,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘I will take you, my servant Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will make you like my signet ring, for I have chosen you,’ declares the Lord Almighty.” (Haggai 2:23, NIV)

It is a wonderful promise of honour and trust. But notice the context. Zerubbabel was not given the signet ring to build his own house. Earlier in the same book, God had rebuked the people for exactly that: living in their own panelled houses while His house lay in ruins (Haggai 1:4). The ring was for the work God had given him, carried out on God’s behalf.

Authority is for someone else’s good

That is the heart of any delegated authority. When you hold power of attorney for a parent, manage a sibling’s rental from down the road, or supervise a cousin’s building project while they work in Canada, you are carrying their seal. The authority is real, and it is not yours to use for yourself.

Sadly, many families have stories of this going wrong. The relative who collected rent for years and never sent a statement. The one who used the power of attorney to move land into their own name. The one who “borrowed” from the building fund and meant to put it back. Often it did not begin as theft. It began with small liberties that nobody questioned.

Jesus’ words fit these situations closely: “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10, NKJV). He goes on: “if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16:12).

What faithfulness looks like in practice

• Keep records. Every rent payment received, every repair paid, every receipt. Send regular updates even if nobody asks.
• Keep money separate. A separate account for the property or the person you act for protects you as much as them.
• Ask before big decisions. Even if the document lets you act alone, check in on major matters wherever you can.
• Know the limits. Ask an attorney exactly what the power of attorney allows, and what it does not.
• Be open about conflicts. If you want to buy the property, rent it yourself or hire a relative to work on it, say so plainly.

If you are the one giving the seal

For those who hand over authority, there is responsibility too. Choose carefully. Give the power needed and no more. Ask for updates kindly, not suspiciously. Recognise that the person acting for you is giving time and carrying stress, and thank them, perhaps even pay them fairly. It is not a small thing to be someone’s hands and signature from thousands of miles away.

Chosen and trusted

Haggai’s promise reminds us that God Himself entrusts His people with honour and responsibility. Every Christian, in a sense, carries His seal in the world. We represent Him in how we treat tenants, relatives and neighbours, and how we handle money that is not ours. Faithfulness with a brother’s house or a mother’s land is one small, concrete way of honouring the King whose name we bear.

For reflection

• Are you carrying anyone else’s authority right now? Would they be comfortable seeing every record?
• If you have given authority to someone, have you thanked them lately?

Lord Almighty, You chose Zerubbabel and trusted him with Your work. Where we carry the authority of others, make us faithful, honest and humble. Keep us from small liberties that grow into great wrongs. Where we have given authority, make us gracious and wise. May we bear Your name well. Amen.

This article is general information only and is not financial, legal, tax or other professional advice. Please speak to a qualified professional about your own circumstances.

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