The Rightful Use of Power

Christians with political power have often done poorly at loving people. We’ve coerced, we’ve pontificated, and we’ve moralized. Often, it seems like when Christians gain power, we try to consolidate it and protect it. This approach can be seen in political spaces when Christians gain a majority; it’s also not uncommon in churches when the pastor or a small group of leaders hold tightly to control.

The fact that there is power in every human system is indisputable. What is often missing is the rightful use of power.

Martin Luther King Jr once wrote, “What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive, and that love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice.” So how do we embrace a rightful use of power?

Spend some time with this passage today. As yourself,

• How does Jesus view himself, and how does that affect how he handles power?

• What is the source of power and what is the direction of that power?

• And, as always, ask yourself what it might look like to be more like Jesus.

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. - John 13:3-5