Possession of power tests all of us. If you have not been given power, especially positional power, you cannot really say how good you will be in handling power.
Power is used to heal, to protect, to provide, to build, to grow, to unite and to influence generally unto effective delivery. Unfortunately, because of our inherent human ego, we tend to frequently use power more to destroy, break, trample, pull down and make others cry in pains.
That's why every power handled by or handed over to humans must be checked. If there are no controls established around exercise of power, abuses set in. I have found out that it's also very difficult for a possessor of power to set up controls while in position. The best thing is to set up controls when nobody is in the office or position.
It's true that everyone has some level of power, but positional power can be very strong because it can be very visible.
The questions we should always ask ourselves while in positions of power include:
1. Do I have people around me who can boldly ask me questions? Do people around me think that they can air their views and they count? Or is everyone around me singing my praise?
2. Am I causing people to cry and weep, though I know from my heart of heart that I am right and working hard to do the right thing?
3. What's my sincere estimation and value for those who are "poor" or those available to me for getting things done? Do I think I'm better than they? What is my attitude towards them? Do I tend to be irritated at every little provocation, use abusive words or shout at them?
4. Do I review my actions everyday, making changes where necessary, apologizing where I've wronged people under me or do I explain things away? Have used the word "I don't care" when a complain is brought to me concerning someone helping me to get things done or concerning my actions?
5. Finally, do I seriously ask myself, what would Jesus do in this situation? What would He use this position to do if He were here?
Power corrupts. Power can make monsters out of us. Power can destroy relationships and crush lives. Exercise of power can bring regrets when we're done with the position that conferred the power on us.
A lot to say but may God grant us the wisdom to use power to build, restore and heal and not to destroy. May we join God in using power to bring about His redemptive work in this broken world.
Remain blessed 🙏
#justthinking #justthinkingoutloud #justmythought
