You’ve heard the phrase, “power corrupts.” But power can also be used to bring life, fight injustice, and create beauty. Listen as Susie is joined by Andy Crouch, executive editor of Christianity Today. We look at power, humility, and what it means to use our position for God.
In Andy’s words, we need “an honest and hopeful conversation about power” in the Church today. The reality is that some have more power, and some have less power. How should we approach position and power in a healthy way? To see a model of how to handle power, we need to look to Jesus, who had ultimate absolute power but modeled humility – power under control.
Power is not something we possess; it’s ultimately a gift from God. When we realize it is not ours to abuse, we can steward it well. The first man and woman sought power “independently of God – but all true power comes with both authority and vulnerability.”
Andy and Susie explore several aspects of power:
• The definition of power
• What it means to “play God”
• How Jesus used power and what we can learn from Him
• The danger of seeking position and influence for its own sake
• Why powerlessness can sometimes be a good thing
What are the antidotes to an unhealthy pursuit of power?
Worship
When we focus on the one true God, we can rest in His character and promises and ignore the idolatry of the consumer culture around us that promises god-like status if we buy the newest phone or trendiest article of clothing.
Sabbath
Remember that, in Susie’s words, “more rests on God’s shoulders than on ours.” Our ability to recognize our weakness and dependence on God frees us from the love of control, and then we can use the power to serve and free others without exploiting them.
Ask yourself: “Who is flourishing because I have power?”
Andy’s book is Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power.
Key Scriptures: John 13:1-5; Genesis 3; Psalm 34:8
Featured Songs: More Than Amazing by Lincoln Brewster; I Am by David Crowder; Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin
Highlight : The world’s view of power
This program has been previously aired.
