Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 36, No. 14 Home Page
Do we know someone who "lives for others" that way--in an officious, clinging, controlling manner? Have we ever acted that way ourselves?
Jesus said: "Whoever whants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it" (Mark 8:35). Some people devote their lives to controlling and manipulating others, to gaining and exercising power. The Christian, however, is to lay down his life as a friend and supporter, sharing in another's journey, interceding for the other's good, offering any crumbs of wisdom he may have found by the way.
Power is entirely different from authority, although the two often go together and may look like each other. The difference is that power rests in the individual whereas authority resides elsewhere, ultimately in God Himself. Criminals have power; police have authority. Adolescents sometimes have power; parents have authority. Demagogues like Hitler have power; great preachers like Dietrich Bonhoeffer have authority. Power compels obedience, or at least submission; authority announces what is right according to wisdom and revelation, whether or not it can impose a course of action.
Power is sought by the selfish, for purposes of self-advancement. Authority is wielded by God's servants and representatives "laying down their lives" for family, friends and the gospel.
This one is by Ron Carleton of Abbotsford, B.C.
Return to the M.B.Herald Vol. 36, No. 14 Home Page