Real Power

Yesterday I wrote about how when God in the beginning created the heavens and the earth, he displayed two qualities that are unique to man: creativity and freedom. Later in the day I began thinking about another facet of this act of creation that is not spelled out but clearly present. I refer here to God's power. The mighty God conceived and spoke into existence a universe.

It is important to understand power, though I hardly have time to write anything comprehensive here. Many people associate power with bullying and intimidation. Yes, this is a form of power, but not the highest form of power.

A number of years ago a friend of mine, John Prin, recommended an insightful analysis of power called Real Power by Janet Hagberg. The book outlines the six stages of personal power within organizations and is one I'd highly recommend to anyone seeking a greater self-understanding and how to move beyond powerlessness or the lower levels of influence.

According to Hagberg, the lowest level of power is powerlessness. The next level is power by association. The third stage is power by symbols. Stage four is power by reflection. Stage five is power by purpose. And the highest level of power of influence is the saint who remains powerfully influential long after leaving the systems or structures of power. People like Mother Teresa, Saint Francis of Assisi, etc.

I like thinking in terms of influence. This is a little different from the idea of creation or the power demonstrated by God in creation, but not entirely. Are we making an impact with our lives, our activities? Are we making a difference? How can we make a difference that counts for something? What is the meaning of our lives?

Many people see "power" as destructive, or with its destructive face affixed. Power is demonstrated by one's ability to manipulate, intimidate, crush and destroy. Is this real power? Maybe it is a form of power, but a distorted form for sure. For a true portrait of how power is most perfectly and vividly expressed, check out the message by Pastor Brad Shannon on January 6 called Our Self Giving Servant Father . It turns our usual understandings about power on their heads. This is indeed Real Power.

RECOMMENDED LINKS
Be sure to check out Janet Hagberg's Real Power at Amazon.com
Visit the website of my friend, author and speaker John Prin.