Sept 1st, 2020: The Seduction of Power
Power is seductive and destructive. How often do we see leaders succumb
to the dangerous alluring of power? We have seen presidents, prime
ministers, well-known evangelists, great entrepreneurs, faith leaders,
and many others who have failed into that trap. Most of the time, the
apologies they made to us are not sincere ones. Maybe it is not a
mistake because it is done dishonestly. When we make a mistake in
dishonesty, we don't know how to say "sorry". Maybe some of them have a
sickening sense of entitlement and a false sense of being invincible.
People
who abuse their power have betrayed the very same foundation that put them into that power position. Somehow they have lost touch with
their commitments and obligations to be in such a place. They fail to
understand that people supported them because of the ideas they
represent. However, that is not always true. When people idolize their
leaders, they are now granting them open tickets to abuse their power.
What is the real power anyway? The Bible reveals to us that the ultimate power Jesus has over humanity is the power of the crucifixion.
In
his death, he walks into our place and takes the consequences of our sins upon
himself. Personal sacrifice for people we lead is a high calling for a
leader.
In his teaching, he consistently reveals who the Father
is. It is not about him. Genuine leadership is never about the leader
but the well-being of the people.
In his presence, he brings
about healing, restoration, and hope. It is what is missing among our
contemporary leaders. They trigger anger, division, confusion, and
hopelessness.
In his correction, he assures comfort and
forgiveness. What is needed in public politics today is the benefits of
honesty and forgiveness? Damnation is what we see coming out of the
mouth of politicians these days.
The best way to deal with given
and bestowed power is to have the humility to acknowledge that it comes
with tremendous responsibilities. We need to have the wisdom to remove
ourselves from the center of that power. The center has to be about
God's presence, care, and protection for His people.
1 Corinthians 1: 24-28
"but
to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of
God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than
human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not
many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not
many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world
to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the
strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised
things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are"
