2004 Term 1 Week 7 - Power

Follow on from must/should/can. When we say ‘must’ we want to have a certain level of power in the lives of others.

I think power is a myth. Humanity seeks it and reveres it (false god?). I can have power in peoples' lives (affect them) by two ways. I can force myself on them or I can be invited by them. The first is violent and forceful and is more about me and my power than the effects of my 'power' in the life of another. And the effect is horrendously damaging. The second is out of my control, no matter how loving I am or how generous I am with my heart I can't make anyone invite me to affect them (and if I do try how is this different to the forceful way?), it is their gift to me. Their choice to allow me to have impact and presence in their life, a wonderful gift. So power is a myth. I do not have that amount of control over others, nor should I. Jesus knew this and the stories of Jesus’ interaction with people show this.

Matthew 4:19 – “Come, follow me”
Holy Spirit – Gentle leader/guider

When I hear about laying down power I rejoice. Laying down power is like recognising the gun you hold is a water pistol. When people say that it feels odd to lay down something they don't have I say yes, that's it. It's recognising what you don't have and what you will never have. And realising that you don't need it. This is freedom, wonderful glorious freedom. And with this freedom, perhaps we will take note of what we do have in Christ and pursue that.