Whence the Power

1 Corinthians 4:2-6

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another."

All authority is from God alone. God grants power to individuals. No matter what character, God gives power to certain people to accomplish His purposes in human affairs. This principle is very evident and radiant in the confrontation of Jesus and Pilate (John 19): "Then Pilate said to Him, "Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?" Jesus answered, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above..." Knowing that, we learn at least two things, (1) That we are in no position to boastfully judge or evaluate our leaders with malice, especially in the community of believers. (2) That God gives us the assurance that He is the Giver of all power and that He actively evaluates everyone in all positions of leadership, great or small. Although there are avenues for complaints (prayers to God, open fora, feedback to higher ups), ultimately our leaders are answerable to God. We are also leaders to some, the children around us, to our friends and families, it is best then to take Paul's word to "apply these things to [ourselves] for [their] benefit." Both a privilege and a trust, this is one of those things God blesses people with, and can be a stumbling block by enjoying the blessing without acknowledging God Who gave it. The first responsibility is to be a follower of God and to honor His appointed ones. One great leader in the bible was after all, foremost, "a man after God's own heart" and yet he also honored, no matter what, whom he considered "God's annointed". Indeed with great power comes great responsibility (and accountability), God is the source of all power and influence. We'll do well to be humble and receive it with earnest gratefulness. At the same time, pray for the people whom we consider our leaders and mentors that God will guide them and enlighten them to measure up to God's standards and to be the best they can be.

1 Samuel 26:9-11

"But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?” And David said, “As the Lord lives, the Lord will strike him, or his day will come to die, or he will go down into battle and perish. The Lord forbid that I should put out my hand against the Lord's anointed. But take now the spear that is at his head and the jar of water, and let us go."

~29.10.2013