WEDNESDAY'S WORD - POWER - Sadell Bradley 11/11/2020

 

WEDNESDAY'S WORD POWER Sadell Bradley 11/11/2020 "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Robert Green Ingersoll - American Lawyer POWER is the capacity to act, and the ability to direct, or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. Power can take the form of political or social authority or control, or military strength. A business, organization, or religious group can be powerful. The political process is about gaining, holding, and maintaining power - to have a say in how we live, what policies are adopted, and what legacy is left. This election season has shown us a lot about how we desire, view, and engage power. Every voter, organizer, government official, ethnic or special interest group, religious leader, and media representative holds power. The President, President elect, and our world leaders give us valuable lessons about power: how to hold and wield it, how it can be lost, and ways to transition it. Everyone holds power and influence, even those we don't normally think of. Author Alice Walker said, "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR POWER? Peter Scazzero in, 'The Emotionally Healthy Leader' wrote, "The problem is that few leaders have an awareness of, let alone reflect on, their God-given power. As a result, some carelessly wield their power with aggression, exploiting it to their own advantage...On the opposite extreme are leaders who shrink back from exercising their power. Their reluctance to assert themselves leaves the door open to the wrong people stepping into the power vacuum -- which causes all sorts of chaos." What's the deal with this thing called power that so many covet while others repel? There are many mentions of power in Scripture. 2 Timothy 1:7 says that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. The Greek dunamai from which we get dynamite is miraculous power - might, strength, energy, and the capability to perform through God's ability. In Luke 24:29 the disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem until they were "clothed with power from on high." Acts 1:8, said that they would receive power to be God's witnesses after the Holy Spirit had come upon them. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think according to the power that works in us. Even in our weaknesses, Paul writes that God's sufficient grace will allow for the 'power of Christ' to rest on us. (2 Cor. 12:9) Ephesians 6:10 exhorts us to be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might. This word kratos means His perfect and complete dominion and exerted power. God has entrusted us with power. Have you ever thought about the level or type of power and influence God has allowed you to hold? If so, what do you do with your power? Absolute power corrupts absolutely. -Lord Acton Lord Acton's words ring true. We've seen a lot of corruption - dishonest, fraudulent, and morally depraved conduct by some in power. This has brought destruction, decay, despair, and a loss of trust of those in authority not just in the world, but in the Church. There are consequences, and there is collateral damage. Another negative by-product of the abuse of power is that good, quality leaders are now afraid to properly engage their power, authority, and the servant leadership that Jesus modeled for us. That is leaving our City, our Nation, and the Church, as Scazzero said above, open to all sorts of chaos. Reflect on your power and how it can be used for good and for God's glory.