No power plays...

“…the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

“‘What is it you want?’ he asked.

“She said, ‘Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.’

“‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?’

“‘We can,’ they answered.

“Jesus said to them, ‘You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.’

“When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” (Matthew 20:20-28, NIV)

Jesus is telling his followers, you and me included, that power has no place in the life of a Christian. There is to be NO lording it over others. Gaining power over people cannot be a mature believer’s motive in seeking any position in the church – a teaching assignment, a committee chairmanship, a place on the platform during worship. Looking for authority without humility is a surefire way to harm the church and dishonor Jesus’ name. There’s only to be serving in the life of a believer.

Is that the way things are? Unfortunately not always. There are believers who immaturely make power plays. There are those who claim the name of Christ who resort to manipulation to get their way. All kinds of human effort and energy exerted in an effort to gain the upper hand even by those in the church.

“God forgive us. God forgive me. I’ve played the control game. Make me a servant. Make us all servants.”

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