How To Use Power

Power comes in different ways, and in different forms. It could be spiritual ability, someone's number of followers, great talent/skills, high IQ, religious position, political position, respect, ability to pray, professional position, wealth, family background/inheritance, fame, beauty, etc. It comes in many ways that some people are even unaware of the magnitude of their power. And many others know that they wield great power, but have no idea exactly how to use it, or mischievously choose to abuse it. Whatever be the case, knowing the proper way to handle power is one of the greatest things that could happen to anyone.

Some persons have found themselves in a position of great respect, especially in a religious setting, and all they were able to accomplish was to exploit ladies and other vulnerable people. The power that could be leveraged for something very productive is just wasted like that. Some feel they have the ability to see in the spirit, and all they could use it to do is to call people's phone numbers and say other stupid things. What a waste! Some young persons have also found themselves in a position of spiritual authority, and all they accomplished was the feeling of ego that came with it. What a waste of precious privilege! Even if God told you that Chelsea will beat Liverpool, do you know why that information was given to you? What is its relevance to the body of Christ? You could not even wait to get the full 'gist', you already rushed out to tell everyone including people who don't care, thereby bringing so much shame and disrepute to the church in the name of prophecy.

Jesus gave power to his disciples, and they were completely unaware of how to use it. They saw some people that seemed to be competitors and enemies, and they wanted to use their power to destroy them. Luckily they asked Jesus for permission to 'fire' them, 'Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?' (Luke 9:54). Jesus was surprised that they thought the power they have was given to them for such. Like many so-called men of God today, they thought they were called to curse people, destroy lives and wreak havoc on others. Jesus responded to them, 'But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.' (Luke 9:55). Alas, they have the spirit but are unaware of the character, and the real purpose of the spirit in them.

How that describes so many respected people in the church. It pains me to see many people use spiritual power like babies. It is one thing to get power, it is another thing to understand how to use it. Many unfortunately are too desperate to understand. Many have great congregations but have no idea what to do with the people. They simply 'catch cruise', say things that sound nice, pray like demons, collect money from them, get applauded, and continue to roll that way until they fade away (and they will). They have no idea who Jesus is or the personality of God's Spirit. They find power in whatever way and spend the rest of their lives crudely or diplomatically abusing it. One of the most touching verses in the bible is Psalm 49:20, 'A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, Is like the beasts that perish.' Oh, how many people who are in a place of honor and completely unaware. When they talk, you will not help but see how unaware they are of the delicacy and magnitude of their position and calling.

What are you doing with your power and the privileges that you have today? Are you creating or wrecking? Are you building with it or destroying with it? Are you making or marring? Are you blessing or cursing? Are you helping or harming? Are you being productive or destructive? Are you bringing comfort or causing pains? What are you doing with your position and power? Are you lifting people up or subjecting them to perpetual servitude? Sometimes those who crave power, get it and they simply have no idea what to do with it. What a shame! It is better not to have power than to have it and knowingly or unknowingly abuse it.

Power could be very transient. And when your idea of power has a connection to God and the gospel, you have to be very careful. Moses used his power wrongly, water came out, and the people were amazed by the miracle, but that was the worst thing that ever happened to Moses. He got the praise of the moment and lost his place before God. This shows that 'something working as you said it would' does not translate to God's approval. You can get people to fall down and yet your ministry is completely useless to God. The Bible says, 'Be very careful, then, how you live'not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.'(Ephesian 5:15-16). This is a call for you to audit your power and privileges.