In what ways can we resist the temptation of power described in Luke 22:25? Seeing the lure of power in Luke 22:25 “ ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in authority over them call themselves benefactors.’ ” (Luke 22:25) Jesus points to two dangers: • “Lord it over”—wielding authority harshly. • “Call themselves benefactors”—using titles and good deeds to polish an image while retaining control. Why this matters to us today Left unchecked, the same impulse can creep into our homes, churches, workplaces, even our private thoughts. Power’s promise—security, recognition, control—can quietly eclipse humble dependence on Christ. Ways to resist the pull of power 1. Submit every role to Christ’s lordship • Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • Regularly ask, “Am I serving Jesus or serving the image of myself as ‘in charge’?” 2. Practice downward mobility • Philippians 2:3-4: “In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Choose the lower seat at gatherings, volunteer for unseen tasks, credit others publicly. 3. Adopt the towel, not the throne • John 13:14-15: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet… you also should wash one another’s feet.” • Look for literal acts of service—clean-up, childcare, hospital visits—that keep the heart soft. 4. Guard the tongue • Proverbs 27:2: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.” • Refuse self-promotion; let God raise you up in His timing (James 4:10). 5. Cultivate gratitude, not entitlement • 1 Corinthians 4:7: “What do you have that you did not receive?” • Record daily blessings to remind yourself everything is grace, nothing is earned leverage. 6. Invite accountable friendships • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one… If either one falls, the other can lift him up.” • Ask trusted believers to confront signs of pride or domineering behavior early. 7. Lead by example, not coercion • 1 Peter 5:2-3: “Shepherd God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” • Model the attitudes you long to see, letting influence flow from authenticity. Christlike leadership patterns to emulate • Servant first: Matthew 20:26-28—greatness equals servanthood. • Gentle and lowly: Matthew 11:29—power tempered by meekness. • Spirit-empowered, not self-powered: Acts 1:8—authority that flows from abiding dependence, never manipulation. Keeping power in perspective • Remember the final audit: Romans 14:12—“Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” • See authority as stewardship: Luke 12:48—“From everyone who has been entrusted with much, much will be demanded.” • Keep eyes on the supreme example: Revelation 5:12—Jesus, the Lamb who was slain, is worthy precisely because He laid down His life. Living it out today Choose one sphere—family, ministry, workplace—and prayerfully apply a single practice this week: take the lowest place, celebrate someone else’s success, or quietly meet a need. As we follow the Servant-King, the temptation to “lord it over” is displaced by the joy of lifting others up. |
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