Abuse of Power

The video showed a middle-aged woman in police custody. She was accused of driving while intoxicated and was resisting the officer's directions, but she was not threatening him. Apparently he lost patience with her. We see his hand reach up to turn off the video camera. Moments later, when he switches it back on, the woman is lying on the floor in a large pool of blood. That officer lost his job for 'abuse of power.' When we think of abusing power, most of us probably think about dictators who get rich while oppressing a poor nation, or a rogue cop, or a cruel parent. But, think again! It can happen in any situation that one person has control of another person.

Power is a dangerous thing. Because of the sinful nature that you and I inherited from Adam, power is corrosive to character. In too many situations to enumerate, we see how quickly influence is turned to serve ego and to enrich the privileged at the expense of those over whom they wield influence. Lord Acton, a British historian of a century ago observed :
"Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!"

God is deeply concerned with the abuse of power and His Word is clear about the immorality of using the trust of leadership and/or influence for selfish gain! Amos, the shepherd from Tekoa, thundered against ancient Israel for her sins. Primary among them? Abuse of Power! He roared: "The Lord said: I will punish Israel for countless crimes, and I won't change my mind. They sell honest people for money, and the needy are sold for theprice of sandals. They smear the poor in the dirt and push aside those who are helpless. .... They lie down beside altars on clothes taken as security for loans. And they drink wine in my temple, wine bought with the money they received from fines." (Amos 2:6-8, CEV)

Ah, friend, as I read those lines they make me want to weep. This is the description of our time! The 'have's' of our nation are too often forgetful of the responsibilities that come with their privileges. Those in power, though perhaps not on the 'take' as we might think of corruption - are often read to use their position to enrich the rich and to give favor to those who can return favor. The poor and the powerless are forgotten, or thought to be simply the victims of their own stupidity and deserving of their fate!

Pride says, "I climbed to the top of the heap, so let me enjoy the benefits that come with this position." As Amos continues in his sermon, he reminds the corrupt leaders of Israel that they had once been slaves, people without a country or power. They were not rich and powerful because they were smarter or deserving. They had experienced the grace of God! "And yes, I'm the One who delivered you from Egypt, led you safely through the wilderness for forty years And then handed you the country of the Amorites like a piece of cake on a platter." (Amos 2:10, The Message)

God says, "You are who you are because of My grace! You have an obligation to use your blessings to serve those who are without power, without privilege, the weak, the poor."

A couple of years ago the news media reported that Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, would be stepping down as head of Microsoft, the company he founded in his garage 30 or so years ago. What was he going to do? Build a villa in the Caribbean and take life easy? No. Find another venture to increase his store of wealth? No, again. Gates plans devote his life to his foundation, to finding ways to improve the lives of the poorest people in Africa! His plan is to give away his $billions over the next two decades!

What a beautiful thing it is to see that kind of compassionate care. When a powerful person remains filled with humility, he blesses his world by using his position to ennoble others.

Jesus, Himself, left the pinnacle of power as the Second Person of the God-head, to become a Man. "He took the nature of a servant... He humbled Himself." (Phil. 2)

Are you a 'giver' or a 'taker?'
In positions of influence and/or power, is your aim to attract praise and benefits or to bless others in the Name of Jesus Christ?

Here's what Jesus said about it. Meditate on His words.
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth." (Matthew 5:3-5, NLT)