The world’s system of operation thrives on individual ingenuity and corporate cohesiveness to reach the pinnacle of success as powerful entities in our society. Unfortunately, this systematic structure is the dominating authority that seeks to govern all aspects of living. 

Today, we face more challenges because of the abuse of power among people operating in their own abilities and capabilities, attached to ungodly beliefs, and motivated by selfishness.

Consequently, the moral values and spiritual climate of society will continue spiraling downward unless the Church of Jesus Christ rises to the cause and rescue a sinking nation and its people.

Generally, people with great leadership skills and abilities have a need to be in control of something or someone.  They feel powerless and threaten when they are not in control of a situation.  They seek to control others as well as situations.  Although this is an innate need to be in control placed within mankind by God, it can lead to destruction if not channeled properly or brought under subjection to the power of God. These desires are essential qualities in order to exercise dominion in the Earth as God planned from the beginning (Genesis 1:26-28). 

Unfortunately, the fall of man perverted those desires and tainted the entire human race.  Thus, desires became lustful, and self-serving; with concocted misconceptions about positions of power, which now drive man’s need for power and to control.  In essence, the original plan to draw man closer to his Creator through partnership and constant fellowship now drives him farther and farther away. 

More startling is the realization of this same perverting spirit slithering into the Church of Jesus Christ.  Being in authoritative positions and exercising power over others can be exhilarating. An example of this is recorded in Luke 10:17-20.  Jesus appointed and sent out seventy other disciples ahead to prepare the people for his coming.  He gave them power and authority to preach, pronounce blessings, and heal the sick.  They returned ecstatic over the power and authority they exercised over demons using Jesus’ name.  However, Jesus’ reply to them was do not be all excited about demons being subject to you.  Instead, rejoice because your name is on heaven’s roll.  Wow! That must have cut deep into the layers of their ego!

Truth is, if we are not careful, we can become overly excited about our power and authority.  This can happen when we take ownership of the power and authority delegated through the anointing power of the Holy Spirit working through us.  We become open prey for the enemy of pride.  When others praise us, we take the credit. Big mistake! Consequently, we become attracted and attached to accolades from peoples’ perception of powerfulness. This is a dangerous matter because our attraction distracts from the real source of the power —God Almighty. 

Like the world, church leaders are vulnerable to becoming power hungry.  Having power and authority can present more challenges than positive solutions if not administered through the Word of God.

The Church cannot be a part of the problem.  The greater responsibility is upon leaders to lead by example.  Leaders must provide the solution using the power and authority given us by Jesus the Christ.  Every born again believer has the authority to use the name of Jesus, which gives us access to all the power one will ever need in this life. 

The demonstration of this power is the operation of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.  We are in position to reign in life as we allow the Holy Spirit to control our lives. This equates to powerful living.  Believe it or not, it takes greater power to submit to the control of another than it does to be in control.

Christians are not of the world; therefore, we cannot operate like the world’s system.  The kingdom of God— God’s way of doing things— operates very differently.  We must rely on the power and authority delegated to us by Jesus Christ. The Church has the power that the world wants.  Are we using it to influence the world through our witness?  Or, are we are conforming to the world by seeking the same things they are.  “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” Acts 1:8 Amplified. 

I am baffled! If we have at our disposal the Power of an all-powerful, all-knowing God, what else are we looking for? What more could we possible want?  More power you think.  You are deceived.  There is no greater power! The power of God—the Spirit of God available to us, but we are still grabbling for titles, positions and prestige, and things!  Will titles and things validate us?  Of course, the answer is emphatically no! The blood of Jesus validated us!   

The problem: The basic reasons many Christians are lacking gratification, contentment and happiness and not getting is #1) wrong motives.  Your purpose is wrong or motives are selfish if you want a title or position for anything other than serving God and others.  Truth is, if you desire anything for reasons other than being a blessing in the kingdom of God, fulfilling His purpose, and/or drawing closer to Him, chances are, your motives are wrong.  

Solution #1: Submit to God, and resist the devil.  This is a two-in-one solution and requires a simultaneous decision.  In order for this solution to be effective, you must follow through on your decision by putting into practice what you chose do—submit to God and resist the devil—when faced with challenging experiences. 

Solution #2: Come close to God. When you come close to God, He comes close to you.  Coming close to God is also a decision followed up by studying the Word of God, and talking to Him—prayer, reading materials that will enhance your walk of faith.  You must be consistent.

Solution #3:  Have a spirit of repentance as you come close to God.  Like in any wholesome relationship, there must always be room for an attitude of sorrowfulness and regret when one has been wronged or even feel they’ve been wronged.  You cannot expect things to remain the same without asking forgiveness for wrongdoing.  Therefore, it is the same in our relationship with the Lord.  The only difference, He is faithful and will never wrong us!  Therefore, we will always be the one asking forgiveness, repenting and turning back to Him.  With the decision and desire to come close should be an attitude that demonstrates sorrowfulness.  In addition, the decision to turn away from wrongdoing should be made with true intentions to change.

Solution #4: Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, and he will exalt you.  Too often Christians become boasters of their positions in the natural and spiritual places of grace.   Humility is an attitude.  It simple means that whatever God wants, I will avail myself to His will.  Better said, is being flexible in God.  Knowing and understanding who you are and whose you are is not justification for arrogance.  We must always remember it is by grace through faith that we are saved, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).  Self-esteem and self-confidence are necessary qualities, but not at the expense of condescending attitudes and actions towards others.  A humble heart in the sight of God promises an exalted life. Making others feel insignificant should not make you feel significant. 

One problem has four solutions!  This implies powerful living requires powerful solutions that are unattainable without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

We, the Church of Jesus Christ, are to bring God’s will upon Earth as it is in Heaven. We are people with power—delegated power.  We have the authority to declare and decree the will and word of God into our homes, churches, governmental and educational institutions, workplaces, communities, and neighborhoods. 

What happens when we are in search of things to satisfy our lustful desires and sensual pleasures rather than accessing the power delegated to us to change lives?  We place ourselves in paths that lead to our destruction just as the world.   What happens when we abuse the power and authority delegated to us for selfish gain, hurting others in process?  We find ourselves drowning in the same sinking ship with the world; unable to neither save ourselves nor rescue anyone else. 

However, God’s will is that none perish.  His plan is to rescue us and bring us to a place of powerful living in the Earth as His sons and daughters. In order to master His plan for powerful living, we must recognize and admit that we can do nothing on our own ability apart from the TRUE VINE (John 15:1-8).    We must stay connected to Him; rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and the Living Word within us to make a difference in society.  Then and only then, we are empowered to live an abundant life, and accomplish all that God has purposed in the Earth.  To Him be glory forever and ever…

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