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Three perspectives on Power & Influence

CCBF Biblical Leadership Principle for the Month of September 2022

It has been said, “Power is America’s last dirty word . . . people who have it deny it and people who want it do not want to appear to hunger for it.”

The reality is that we all have power and influence whether it’s positional or personal power. So, the question really is what do you do with the power that you have now?

The Scriptures have much to say about power since it’s mentioned more than 300 times. Let’s take a closer look at where our power comes from, the problems and the practice of using power.

1. The Provision of Power

Humanly, power and influence may come from any several sources such as position, wealth, reputation, relationships, etc. Simplistically, we might categorize these as either positional or personal power sources.

However, we must remember that ultimately our source of power comes from God, our creator, as Paul writes in Colossians:

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or
authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Colossians 1:16

God’s power is clearly at work in and through us no matter what personal or positional power and influence we carry through life and work. With God’s power on our side, He can and will do far more than we could ever dream since He’s ultimately in charge and holds all of the power.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine, according to his
power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20

In what ways do you acknowledge that
All power comes from God, our Creator?

2. The Problem with Power

From a human perspective, power is quite complex. It can be used for evil through fear, terror or tyranny. But on the other hand, it can be used for good to mobilize resources to get things done.

When it comes to evil use of power, we’re reminded of Paul’s words to the Ephesians when he said,

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,
but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against
the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12

It’s important to realize that the evil use of power requires a spiritual battle. Therefore, we need to be prepared by putting on the armour of God as outlined in Ephesians 6:10-18.

When it comes to good power and influence, throughout the entire Scriptures, the highest priority is placed on caring for the less fortunate. Yet, time and again, the problem was the seeming inability of God’s people to get it as David wrote in the Psalms for example:

“How long will you[a] defend the unjust
and show partiality to the wicked?
Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Psalms 82:3-4

In what practical ways have you used your power and influence
to demonstrate your concern for those less fortunate?

3. The Practice of Power

As God’s people, our use of power will differ from that in the world around us.

The contrast is that the world uses power to control and lord over others, whereas power for God’s people is the opposite in practice.

When Jesus’ disciples were vying for position in heaven, Jesus pointed out their self-serving use of power to get ahead was reflecting the world’s perspective and not His which he explained in Matthew:

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it
over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you.
Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and
whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not
come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:24-28

In practice, power and influence are meant to serve others for their good. It is not all about us as leaders. Used properly, power and influence builds mutual respect and trust in our leadership.

In summary, all power and influence come from our Creator who commands us to care for the less fortunate. This is the problem! Most leaders do not obey this command. If we did in practice serve others, we’d find ourselves far more effective in our leadership. Power and influence would be seen and used in their rightful place in the lives of all.

Don Moore
Executive Director Canadian Christian Business Federation
Don strongly believes that people are our nation’s most valuable asset. His Listen-Learn-Lead” approach to leadership has made him highly effective in executive roles in a variety of organizations with local, regional, national, and international reach.

An entrepreneurial thinker and strategist, Don built a grassroots movement of denominational and ministry leaders committed to evangelism with The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) and led a National Consultation in Ottawa.

Canadian Christian Business Federation
Email: don@ccbf.org
5792 Eighth Line East
Ariss, ON N0B 1B0
416-725-5586
https://www.ccbf.org