One of my current graduate classes is Spiritual Leadership. The class continues to be a beneficial study of necessary principles for both leaders and Christians. One of our textbooks is a small book by Mel Lawrenz, titled Spiritual Leadership Today. In his book, Lawrenz has a great chapter on the topic of power that challenged me. I believe some of his thoughts would be a good reminder for all of us, especially as we strive to lead our homes in a godly pursuit.
He began with a quote often attributed to Abraham Lincoln: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” In other words, contrary to popular belief, one’s true character is not necessarily revealed in adversity. Instead, it is brought out when one has the upper hand – when one is in a position of power.
Lawrenz showed how this idea was exemplified in the well-known story, The Lord of the Rings, to illustrate the dangers of power. Tolkien, the original author the story, uses a small object (ring) and a small person (hobbit) as the center of a world crisis. Among other things, it is a story about power. Those who come into contact with a certain ring become corrupted by it. Other characters distance themselves from the ring, such as the famous Gandalf, who understands that contact with the ring creates potential power and could produce unstoppable destruction. That power would simply be too dangerous for the world.
Overall, The Lord of the Rings illustrates that power is a complex subject. Biblically, I believe we recognize the same truth. Many are familiar with the stories of King Saul and King David. Neither used their God-given power perfectly. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, abused that power in certain circumstances.
Only Jesus, who possessed even more power than Tolkien’s fabled ring, demonstrated perfect mastery over power. With every action He demonstrated the fact that He came not to be served, but to serve. He showed concern for the less fortunate and did not pander to the powerful. Like everything else, He was perfect.
What is the lesson for us? We often occupy many positions of power. How do we respond with that power? What does it reveal about our character? As a parent, I reflect on this idea often. God has granted me a degree of both power and authority. Am I using it correctly? Jesus showed me that I can have power and authority, and still be a servant. Parents, we need to serve our children in the same way that Jesus served others. It is only through continual demonstration of this lesson that we can truly teach it to our children.
God grants us autonomy to make decisions in leadership and life. My decisions need to reflect the image of Jesus (Romans 8.29). Abuses of power are all around us. Many crave it without understanding the potential dangers. Take a moment this week to evaluate your character by how you respond to those who are, in some sense, beneath you, under your authority, or simply powerless against you. This reveals our true character as much as anything.