Leaders: The Problem Isn’t Power, It’s How We Use It
By: Tania Harris
The misuse of power is rampant today – in nations by political leaders, in companies by businesspeople, even in mega-churches by pastors.
With great power comes great potential for abuse.
So what do we do with power?
Some say, power is dangerous, so the solution is to have less of it. Don’t get too powerful, don’t get too wealthy, stay small and you’ll be fine.
They have a point. Having power is dangerous. Neuroscientists tell us that the experience of power actually changes our brains. It makes it less empathetic so that we can’t see the needs of people around us. It seems we enjoy being able to make people do what we want them to do.
Yet power by definition is merely the ability to get something done. It’s a neutral force. The main variable lies in how we use it and what we use it for. Consider three leaders from history.
1. Basil the Great
Basil the Great was a bishop who lived in the 4th Century (370AD) in the eastern part of the empire – in Cappadocia. As a bishop, he had great power. So, how did he use it?
Basil used his power to build a public hospital and wellness centre. It was the first of its kind, providing universal healthcare at a time when only the rich and those who belonged to the Roman army could afford a doctor. Basil’s hospital and wellness centre became the prototype for all hospitals to come.
Basil used his power as an expression of Jesus’ teaching to love your neighbour – to heal, dignify and place value on all.
2. Ambrose
Ambrose was also a bishop who lived in the 4th Century. He lived in the western part of the Roman empire – in Milan. Like Basil, Ambrose was powerful. He used his power to order the destruction of the local Jewish synagogue because he didn’t agree with their beliefs. He intimidated so-called heretics with cross-examination. Ambrose mixed his power with the state and set the model for church-state relations in the West for the decades and centuries to come.
Ambrose used his power to coerce, destroy and oppress. Both men held positions of great power, but they used it in different ways.
3. Jesus
What about Jesus? As the Son of God, Jesus was supremely powerful, with the entire angelic realm at his disposal.
At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus was tempted to misuse his power. The enemy promised to give him all the kingdoms of the world if only Jesus worshipped him. What notice Jesus’ response:
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9)
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ (Matthew 4:10)
Jesus rejected power when it was offered to serve himself, but embraced it when given for others. Jesus used his power to heal the sick, empower the poor and wash people’s feet. When he died and rose again, Jesus became the most powerful man on earth, but his power was always offered in service of love.
4. For us?
The challenge then falls to us. What will we do with power? Will we use it for our own ends as in the way of Ambrose, or use it for others as in the way of Jesus and Basil?
If we are business people, will we use our power to employ others with meaningful work that brings blessing to their home and energises the economy?
If we are political leaders, will we use our power to serve people and not exult ourselves in the eyes of others?
If we are spiritual leaders, will we use our power to equip the saints to follow Jesus and not fixate on how the church makes me look good?
If we are leaders in our family, will we use our power to raise up family members to fulfil their potential and not make them in the image of our ourselves?
The problem isn’t power. It’s how we use it.
Article supplied with thanks to God Conversations.
About the Author: Tania Harris is a pastor, speaker, author and the founder of God Conversations.
Feature image: Photo by Ilyass SEDDOUG on Unsplash
