Monday Morning Manna: Power of Example, or Example of Power?

I’m hung on a phrase. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, in his non-Presidential-candidate speech, lifted a line from an earlier Bill Clinton speech, and said we must lead by “the power of example,” not from “the example of power.” Wow! Over the years of my ministry I have seen the power of example lived out many times, but unfortunately, I’ve also seen the abuse of power. Time and space prevent a recounting of those in my life who have demonstrated the power of example, undoubtedly beginning with my own parents. Nor would I care to list those whom I’ve observed abusing the power granted to them. Lord Acton was an English Catholic historian, politician, and writer, best known for the remark, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The one exception to that quote would be Jesus, who said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). With absolute power, Jesus refused to use it to accomplish a personal mission, but rather to issue a Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). That’s what power does. It challenges, motivates, equips. It does not take advantage, abusing, and destroying, everyone and everything that stands in its selfish, ego-centered, way.

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.