It has been said that POWER corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. When something is not going your way, the natural response is to use what power you have to impact the situation. Governments as well as religious and political groups around the world have used their power to coerce, influence and even intimidate any opposition throughout history. It happens across all lines, all societies, in schools, in churches and in families. The solution to the misuse of power is simple - know who you are, Whose you are and when faced with a decision, do what is right in the Lord's eyes under the influence of the Holy Spirit. One of my favorite men in the Bible, Daniel provides a great example to emulate.
The Word on POWER is: Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground for accusation or evidence of corruption, in as much as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. Then these men said, "We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God." - Daniel 6:4-5.
- In their power, a plan was drafted to make it illegal to worship God or any god other than king Darius for thirty days. This is the story of Daniel and the lions' den - Daniel was protected. The men that coerced the king were in turn thrown into the lions' den along with their wives and children. Power in this world resists submitting to the Almighty God. The consequences are never pretty and the impact goes beyond self to family and beyond.
Prayer guide: Lord, You know misuse of power continues around the world today that challenges basic freedoms, intimidates whole groups of people and suppresses freedom. I lift up those situations to You. Here at home the first and second amendments of our Constitution are under new levels of scrutiny. I pray for humility among our leaders as they consider next steps. Lord, in my circles of influence, help me emulate Daniel who, while in exile in Babylon, knew that the only power of eternal consequence is You. In You he found freedom beyond the worldly happenings and had a profound impact on the authorities and rulers of his time. Equip me as a man, husband and father in the power of the Holy Spirit to be an impact for the Kingdom where You have me. Amen.
A faithful father enjoys freedom in his relationship with Jesus the Christ and walks boldly in the power of the Holy Spirit.
