It's (not) About the Power

How much power do you want? Does life leave you feeling powerless? Do you want to have power to control things? How much do you already have?  Maybe there is another way to look at power.

Transcript

When elections happen people feel one of two things, elation that their person won, or disappointment that their person lost. That is understandable. But these days in the United States and some other places, elections take on the fear of life and death. If the other guy wins it is the end of the world. And, elections do have consequences. Things change according to what the person elected wants, according to how much power they have to do what they choose, and how it affects you. 

But the truth is, we can only control so much in any aspect of life. If we are blessed to live in a country where there is the right to vote, we still only have one vote. We may try to influence others but that too is limited. In places where there is no right to vote, you take what you get which is often a dictator.

How much hope and control do you put into government officials? In many cases, too much. I know I have worried about it too much. 

Time magazine has an issue titled “the 100 Most Influential People.” In it they list the folks who they believe are making the biggest impact on the world through their influence. I recall reading an explanation in the magazine the first time I saw that issue. It said this list is of folks using influence, not power. A list of the most powerful includes the leaders of countries, agencies, and corporations. They have power granted (or stolen) that gives them status and authority. Some of them make the list because the powerful affect people for good or ill. But those who influence; they are different. Most listed are people you never heard of; they are not in positions of power. Influence is more subtle; it is not by force. People who influence others are attractive in some way and the kinds of change they bring about is voluntary. 

A truly radical thing about Jesus is that he did not exert his power in his life on earth. But his influence was perhaps the greatest of any single person in history. Author Matthew Sleeth said, “God’s power is most clearly shown in his restraint”. Think about that for a minute, “God’s power is most clearly shown in his restraint”. He starts with the belief that God is ultimately powerful: all-powerful. Creator of the universe powerful. All-knowing, all seeing powerful. And yet, self-limiting. Choosing to come in a human body. God in human person allowing humans to disagree with and work against himself, then kill that body. 

What kind of mindset is that? What do you call it? Having ultimate power but not using it. If we saw it in other humans, we might call it foolish, failing to maximize potential. 

Think about power, like in fire. It is very powerful and can change whole forests from live trees to charred, barren landscapes. Fire can even crumble stone. But when controlled, fire can burn in a limited chamber that heats a furnace which in turn warms an entire building. Fire burns in even smaller chambers in most of our cars for us to drive around. In a fireplace it warms our hearts when we see it and physically warms those who stand nearby. If it got outside the fireplace, it would burn down the house. Picture a strong adult holding a child. For the child to be safe hands must be tender, not forceful. Too much force could injure or kill the child, so restraint is necessary. 

Desiring power is natural. Because when we have power, we can get some of what we want, and may be a bit safer from people and physical elements that would harm us. We all feel a little powerless at times but like many things in life, wanting power too much makes it an idol, it becomes something we worship. And what we worship will control us; it will eat us up.   

Pursuit of power has perverted and twisted many a life. Think of the cruel and murderous dictators across the world through history who have done anything to get and maintain power. The fallout was death and destruction of their own people and countryside. Some others have also gained power in churches, groups, and families. They didn’t care who or what the violence destroyed as long as they stayed in power. Surely humankind and nature deserve better. 

How then shall we live? As people who mindfully are aware that we have power. You are not powerless. You should own your power and influence. You can use them for compassion, leadership, and servanthood. You can choose to enjoy and be present in life, not in pursuit of power. 

Be quiet for a few moments and relax. If it is safe to do so, close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, slowly letting tension fade from the corners of your body. Check your feet, hands, legs, arms, torso and head. Make some small adjustments to let go of tightness, to be at ease as best you can. Set aside your agenda of what to do right now. Just be, if only for a few moments. 

Consider the ideas of power and influence. Allow images or thoughts to come to mind of the ways you wish for more power. Ask yourself, what is behind that? Is this an area I feel weak and am trying to compensate? Or is this desire for power to be able to do good for others and myself? The difference is important. 

Now allow images or thoughts to come to mind of ways you do already have power and influence. Someone is dependent on you; another is moved by your opinions, another glows at your touch. Acknowledge and celebrate that you have personal power and influence beyond your own life. Ask for wisdom to be honest about what you want and what you already have. Like the tiny root that can move concrete over time, your impact can spread out far beyond you, even to the places of power you worry about in elections.

How then shall you live? As a person who mindfully is aware that we have power. You are not powerless. You should own your power and influence. You can use them for compassion, leadership, and servanthood. You can choose to enjoy and be present in life, not in pursuit of power.