POWER

REPRINT OF FEBRUARY 1, 2023

What gives people feelings of power?

For some it is money.

For a few more it is status.

For many more it is being the Line Leader in Kindergarten.

Kind of humorous?  Yes.  Yet there is probably some real truth in it.  Ask any teacher of young children.  But the discussion should not end there.  In fact, this simply sets the stage for the really important things relating to power.

Plato stated things this way: “The measure of a man is what he does with power.”

Power always brings with it responsibility and therefore the need of utilizing that power in godly ways and for God glorifying results.  What do God glorifying results look like?  Job 36:22, “God is exulted in His power.  Who is a teacher like Him?”  So, God glorifying may very well have the result of teaching others what God is like.  

Proverbs 3:27, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it.”  Incidentally, the word ‘deserve,’ does not only indicate having earned something.  When you perceive that someone deserves it, for whatever reason, give to that person what God has blessed you to give. When someone is ailing (physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually) be free with your gifts of healing.  God will direct you in giving good words, praise, providing a way, sharing your testimony, extolling reward or simply to give a good hug and to cry with them.  

Remember that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Consider what powers God has entrusted to you that you are able to use as you bless others and glorify the Father.  Be watchful and ready to use them in His wisdom— not human wisdom— “… lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power” ( 1 Corinthians 1:17).  “Guard what (and perhaps who) has been entrusted to your care.  Turn away from godless chatter …” (1Timothy 6:20).  As you adopt this way of life and this perspective of the use of power, you will be perceived by those around you as having been, “… clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49), simply because you have learned the power in giving and loving in Jesus’ name.

We are engaged in some fierce battles these days.  Spiritual battles, political battles, relational battles, and battles of the mind.  Satan seeks to divide and separate at every opportunity. Fight the good fight.  Be fearless in the battle before you.  Be skilled in the use of your weapons (Ephesians 6:11).  Bring healing to this world and to the individuals in your life (Luke 9:1).  Continue to testify to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and much grace will be upon you (Acts 4:33).

“And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light” (Colossians 1:10-12).

 

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Beale, Jr.

Chaplain (Colonel-Ret), U.S. Army

Pastor, Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel