Power

It seems as if people like power, authority, the ability to influence situations and people. The concept of power over oneself to lose weight, gain knowledge, and reach goals. The concept of power over things outside oneself would include influencing others and situations for one's own satisfaction and pleasure. It could be power over a problem (say a test in school), over people (to get them to do what YOU want them to), over business associates to get to the top, political power, power over others.

This can be seen in many instances. A pastor may brag that he has 10,000 members while another only has 5,000. It gives a sense of superiority, a view that others are looking up to YOU, and so being better than others. A business man may brag that he sold 50 contracts each worth over 1 million dollars, so he/she feels they are better than another who sold 10 contracts. A musician looks to the number of albums sold. An actor/actress looks at the dollars made and awards received.

This lust for power seems to be inherent. People want to be the top dog in something. For some it is passive. This is seen when people manipulate others. They may manipulate by appearing to be helpless or rejected. For others it is active. This is seen when people threaten others. They do this verbally or physically.

The Bible labels this as sin. It is the sin of Lucifer (Satan, Devil): "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' (Isaiah 14:12-14).

It is the sin of kings: About twelve months later, I was walking on the flat roof of my royal palace and admiring the beautiful city of Babylon, when these things started happening to me. I was saying to myself, "Just look at this wonderful capital city that I have built by my own power and for my own glory!" (Daniel 4:28).

It is the sin of humans: The Pharisee stood over by himself and prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not greedy, dishonest, and unfaithful in marriage like other people. And I am really glad that I am not like that tax collector over there. I go without eating for two days a week, and I give you one tenth of all I earn." The tax collector stood off at a distance and did not think he was good enough even to look up toward heaven. He was so sorry for what he had done that he pounded his chest and prayed, "God, have pity on me! I am such a sinner." Then Jesus said, "When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored." (Luke 18:11-14)

Please note who it was that God was pleased with. God is against pride.
"I, the LORD, refuse to accept anyone who is proud. Only those who live by faith are acceptable to me." (Habakkuk 2:4).

In truth only God can have that power, that authority. "Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. You created all things, and by your decision they are and were created." (Revelation 4:11).

We need to be humble and give ALL the glory to God, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.