Throughout history we have witnessed Kingdoms rise and fall in the quest for power. Even in our own households we can get caught up in power struggles with our kids or spouse. Those who doubt the existence of God may believe that this appetite for power began with humanity’s desire for control. However, captured in the pages of scripture is a dramatic display of a rebellion for power that transcends the earth realm. Chapter 28 in the book of Ezekiel unfolds a story of corruption. Out of perfection and beauty rose a heart of pride and rebellion.
…You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings (vs. 14-17,NIV).
Biblical scholars believe that this passage describes Satan’s fall from glory. This rebellion was the beginning of the epic struggle between good and evil that has continued to inspire the hearts and minds of men to pursue power for generation upon generation. When pride is the driving force fueling the pursuit, it promotes a self-seeking agenda at the expense of the good of others. The priority becomes establishing one’s own kingdom at the downfall of another’s.
Competition and jealousy spread like a raging fire, leaving a trail of charred relationships behind. There is a false sense of security that power offers which fuels the desire to overcome the fear of insignificance by rising to the “top” regardless of the cost.
Just as Satan fell from such a glorious height, we discover all too late that what we foolishly believe we can achieve with our own power turns out to be ash blown away by the wind. There is an eternal kingdom whose glory never fades. This kingdom offers a different fuel for the power that flows from it. Love is the ultimate source of power. Its beauty will never fade and it gives life to others.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him
(I John 4:7-9).
We have the freedom to choose how we will spend our days on this earth. What we choose to do with our life will leave behind a legacy for those coming after us. Will we use power to bless those around us and those to come? Are we seeking good for others, pursuing the way of love modeled for us in the life of Jesus Christ, or will we leave behind the wreckage of ill-gotten gain? The way of love frames up dimensional heights and depths of life and relationships that are beyond what we can imagine when we are living life from the framework of pride and competition. Anger and resentment leaves us enjoying the spoils of our “victories” alone, in a place of empty isolation. Godly power builds a lasting structure for future generations and is formed on a foundation of love. A life lived by love is enjoyed through a spirit of unity, and held in place by the unshakeable reinforcement of forgiveness.
Steps in Pursuit
- Many wounds in life come from the battleground of power struggles. Identify lingering hurts that have been inflicted by others fighting for power and position. Use the power of forgiveness to move you from the bondage of hurt to freedom in healing.
- Take some time to meditate on Colossians 3:12-14 to establish a new focus for the power that forgiveness brings.
- Proverbs 11:2-3 says “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” Ask God to reestablish a humble attitude towards yourself and others that will open up the way of wisdom.
The alternative to this power struggle is the pleasure of knowing what it feels like to be filled to the fullest measure with the love and power of God.
Continue the Pursuit,
Denise
