power

“One of the greatest ironies of the history of Christianity is that its leaders constantly give in to the temptation of power –political power, military power, economic power, or moral or spiritual power – even though they continue to speak in the name of Jesus, who did not cling to his divine power but emptied himself and became as we are. The temptation to consider power as an apt instrument for the proclamation of the Gospel is the greatest of all. We keep hearing from others as well as saying to ourselves, that having power – provided it is used in the service of God and your fellow human beings – is a good thing. With this rationalization, crusades took place; inquisitions were organized; Indians were enslaved, positions of great influence were desired; episcopal palaces, splendid cathedrals, and opulent seminaries were built; and much moral manipulation of conscience was engaged in. Every time we see a major crisis in the history of the church, such as the Great Schism of the eleventh century, the Reformation of the sixteenth century, or the immense secularization of the twentieth century, we always see that a major cause of rupture is the power exercised by those who claim to be followers of the poor and powerless Jesus.”

Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus

Power. It is a seductive mistress. It comes disguised in so many different packages; education, knowledge, title, position, influence. These things in and of themselves are not bad – but the way they are used to promote one’s own agenda or discount another’s opinions, feelings or beliefs is a misuse of power. We can justify, rationalize and explain why we have the right to our power and the right to use that power but power that is not tempered by the love of Jesus displayed in love and respect of others is abusive.

I have intentionally surrounded myself with people who I have given permission to speak into my life….and they do. I know they care about me and that they want me to be who I was created to be, so I trust them to call out the best in me. I hope and pray that they will help me notice if and when power becomes something I use inappropriately.

Do you have someone in your life that you have given permission to be honest with you? If they came to you today to tell you they feel you may be misusing your power, would you be open to that or become defensive? Jesus is our example of someone who had ultimate power yet he did not use it diminish others – except to dress down those who did.

More of Henri’s thoughts on power tomorrow….

Grace and peace,
Deb