The Ministry of Power

The idea of power, in our day, comes loaded with many feelings and connotations. Either you have it, or you don’t. People don’t generally consider themselves “somewhat” powerful. Yet, no matter what station you occupy in life, there is always someone you are over and someone over you! From the CEO to the ditch-digger, we all have to embrace the concept of power in our own lives.

To that end, power is not a bad thing; yet, power must be understood as a placement or gift, albeit temporary, to accomplish a certain end. We see it all the time, a certain elected official is elevated to power for a time to accomplish his agendas. Different sporting teams win and lose championships year-in and year-out. A person is elevated to task-manager to accomplish a goal. Even in the Bible, we see persons and nations elevated for God’s divine appointments only to be lowered again.

The problem our culture has with power is our insatiable desire for more – and less! We desire more power for ourselves when it will help us accomplish our agendas and dreams. At the same time, we want much less power for those who have more than we do! Our view of power is both upside-down and unhealthy.

The early church dealt with such power struggles. Those who had a less prominent role in the Kingdom desired one with more noticeability – and those who were given places of leadership became objects of jealousy and given little esteem – or worse, abused that authority. In Ephesians, Paul outlines this angst by telling the church that it is indeed not they but Jesus who elevates and lowers. To some, he gives the authority to be apostles and leaders of the church that it might have direction and purpose. To others, he assigned the authority of teaching that the body might be prepared to grow and serve. And still, to others, Christ apportions works of service, advancing the mission of Christ’s body. This all, Paul reminds them, is for the mutual advancement and maturity of the community. No prophet becomes an island unto himself. At the same time, no floor sweeper in God’s house should be more proud than a teacher. In another instance, Paul asks rhetorically, “Where would the body be if all were eyes?” The point is, nowhere. Churches who find themselves constantly embroiled in authority wars have yet to grow out of the infancy that comes from selfishness and pride.

Ours is the ministry of power. Not a power that lords-over or belittles, but a power that seeks to prepare and equip others for Kingdom business. A mature church has much to say about the recognition of authority and a healthy understanding of power!

Resounding Themes:
Supremacy of Christ
Power of God
Empowerment of Others
Heart of A Servant
Community/Congregation