December 3
Daniel 11:2-35; 1 John 3:7-24; Psalm 122:1-9; Proverbs 29:1
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. You have probably heard this phrase many times before, and on the surface, it may cause us to resist power, but should this be our response?
Daniel’s visions throughout his book have described various powers. Kings fighting kings, kingdoms replacing other kingdoms, and opposition against God’s power. It describes human history as a series of temporary rulers being constantly overthrown. John describes other powers in chapter 3, namely Satan and the world. The devil is seeking to use his power to corrupt people and lead them astray. Further, the world is described as a system of power that is in opposition to God and seeks to lead people like Cain to embrace wickedness, hatred, and murder. These descriptions of worldly and spiritual powers may cause us all the more to resist influencing the world, but should this be our response?
When we think about power, we should ultimately recognize the greatest power in the world, God. His power is able to “destroy the devil’s work” and conquer everything that stands against him. This power is then given to his children through his Spirit. We have God’s power in us, that allows us to overcome the temptations of the world and the work of Satan. Therefore, rather than shrinking back from power, we are called to use God’s power to be salt and light in the world. We must never conform to the patterns of the world but instead lead in the way of truth, grace, love, and compassion for those around us. Worldly power corrupts, but God’s power transforms us and will transform the world.
Father God, help me to use all that you have given to me for your glory. Help me to lead and influence others for your glory. Amen.
Question: How can you better lead and use your God given influence/power to bring him glory?
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. You have probably heard this phrase many times before, and on the surface, it may cause us to resist power, but should this be our response?
Daniel’s visions throughout his book have described various powers. Kings fighting kings, kingdoms replacing other kingdoms, and opposition against God’s power. It describes human history as a series of temporary rulers being constantly overthrown. John describes other powers in chapter 3, namely Satan and the world. The devil is seeking to use his power to corrupt people and lead them astray. Further, the world is described as a system of power that is in opposition to God and seeks to lead people like Cain to embrace wickedness, hatred, and murder. These descriptions of worldly and spiritual powers may cause us all the more to resist influencing the world, but should this be our response?
When we think about power, we should ultimately recognize the greatest power in the world, God. His power is able to “destroy the devil’s work” and conquer everything that stands against him. This power is then given to his children through his Spirit. We have God’s power in us, that allows us to overcome the temptations of the world and the work of Satan. Therefore, rather than shrinking back from power, we are called to use God’s power to be salt and light in the world. We must never conform to the patterns of the world but instead lead in the way of truth, grace, love, and compassion for those around us. Worldly power corrupts, but God’s power transforms us and will transform the world.
Father God, help me to use all that you have given to me for your glory. Help me to lead and influence others for your glory. Amen.
Question: How can you better lead and use your God given influence/power to bring him glory?
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