“Woman, I Own You”
Acts chapter one and verse eight reads, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The power proclaimed here is an inner transformational type of power that is later demonstrated outward. It communicates God’s pruning of human selfishness and autonomy to create an open, yielded vessel that is sensitive to His voice, will proclaim His Word, and will share His ultimate love story with humankind.
As a general principle, power is not to be skirted or misused. We have the power to create healthy and balanced atmospheres in our homes, marriages, and workplaces. On the other side of that coin, in us lays the ability to mishandle people and resources. It is a resource that can be exploited like any other resource (i.e. money). Knowing our motivation behind using and desiring power is key, for the need for power will always exist. It was even highlighted in the creation account when God commanded man to have dominion over the earth. As if it is some type of gene, power is in our DNA to use and interact with at every intersection of life.
Hard power is often illustrated in history books, movies, plays, and real life situations. “Woman, I own you!” declared an antagonist in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Class Reunion. This character sought to express inhumane power over a woman that he alienated from her family, used like a slave, and forced her will as if he was the captain of her soul. While most family members were aware of the cold-hearted situation, no one intervened but the grandmother; whose method of power involved flashing a newly purchased handgun before the perpetrator, daring him to demonstrate his vile temper toward the granddaughter in her presence. Without hesitation, the thug then found the nearest exit, never to return again. Hard power uses bullying and intimidation to make a point or to manipulate a situation for personal gain. “It rests on inducements (‘carrots’) and threats (‘sticks’)” (307).
While hard power is based on fear and oppression, the power mentioned in the book of Acts in my opening statements is based on freedom and love. It is the type of power that is life-giving; it even seeks to heal the damaged soul. It rests of the inducements of grace and mercy. This power fosters love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. This power enhances the quality of life in our homes, our marriages, and the workplace.
As we exercise power in this world, may God grant us His power to use power properly and with wisdom.
Nohria, Nitin and Rakesh Khurana. Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice. Harvard Business School Publishing, 2010.
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