Power struggles

What is God's power like? What is human power like? How is human power modelled on what we believe God's power is like? These days we hear more and more about churches involved in power struggles. The amazing thing is that all these struggles are carried out and even 'baptised' in the name of God. I wonder how and why people who have been leaders for many years may be blind to their desire for power. Perhaps it is a matter of definition - what is power and how do we understand the 'power' that God grants to us. Is it possible that we may project our sense of 'power' on to God and claim many things we do in the 'name of God'?

All these issues should send us back to ask about our image of God. Is God the cosmic controller? Is he one who wields his power in a way that leaves us with no real 'freedom'? What about the life of our Lord Jesus as witnessed in the gospels? Did he use his power in a way that limited the freedom of other people? There were times when he challenged people, especially the religious 'hypocrites' for what they did. But he was always respectful of their choices. In the end he 'allowed' them to have power over him. In Christ, I see the paradox of power and weakness. In his weakness and vulnerability on the cross the power of God reigned. So power in God's sense does not demonstrate itself in arm twisting. I see God's power 'enabling' giving to those who desire true godliness the ability to be weak, to lose - as long as God would be glorified through their weakness. (Phil. 2 : 1 - 11)