The desire for power may be seen in every area of our lives – the family, the workplace, the church, to mention just a few. The national press are currently having a heyday as they report on the intrigues in both Barisan Nasional and opposition political parties which are facing internal problems as many of their members are jostling for power.
All of us would do well to dwell on the experience of both Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul as we consider the subject of power.
Paul, writing to the Christians in Corinth, says:
2 Corinthians 13: 2 – 4
I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.
2 Corinthians 12: 7 – 10
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
We are in great danger when those in authority over us (in all the aspects of our lives) DELIGHT IN POWER BUT DENY WEAKNESS.
