Power in both the spiritual and secular contexts has been a source of conversation, debate and controversy throughout history – and continues to be today. As such, it is unsurprising that both in Scripture, and in the way people have interpreted it, the idea of power has been carefully weighed and considered, with differing opinions and interpretations being formed. From the all-powerful God to his appointed leaders; from the depraved who seek to lord over their fellow men to those who show humility before the Creator, the Bible has much to say about the eternal implications and dangers of power.
At its core, the concept of power described in the Bible is God’s power; the ultimate power from which all other power derives. God’s power is seen as limitless and encompasses his rule of the universe, as well as of all the creatures that inhabit it. His power is also framed in terms of justice, love and mercy. “No power on earth or in heaven can ever be compared with His,” declares Psalm 24:8. It is in this realm that human power is seen as both a blessing and a burden, one that is ultimately tied to our obligation to honor and obey God—and not misuse it.
In delegating authority to humans on Earth, the Bible puts a strong emphasis on the use of such power responsibly and with an eye toward the greater good. Leaders are urged to rule with integrity, mercy and justice and to guard against arrogance and ignorantly wielding their power. For instance, Isaiah 9:7 reads: “He will judge with equity and justice; he will decide with fairness for the humble of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will kill the wicked.”
At the same time, the Bible warns against the corrupt use of power and encourages followers to “put on the whole armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11) instead of relying on their own power. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways. In Matthew 20:25, Jesus addressed the disciples’ hopes of dominating others: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.” In response, he commanded them to “not be like that.”
Power Through Love
The Bible also provides guidance on how we can use our power appropriately if we are not in any official position of authority. 1 Corinthians 13:2 tells us to “clothe ourselves with love,” meaning that we should approach the use of our personal power borne of influence or strength of personality with the same gentleness and patience that God’s love is marked by. It is preferable to try to build bridges than to be a source of division.
This extends to authority in the political and legal spheres as well. Paying taxes to the government is one way that believers should demonstrate a commitment to living in a lawful way and honoring those in leadership, understanding that the authorities have been instituted by God (see Romans 13:1). It is only through submission to God’s ultimate authority and power that human power can be rightly exercised.
At its heart, power is not an end in itself, but rather an agent that we can use for good if we exercise it as God intended. It provides an avenue of service to carry out His will—to protect the weak, hold wrongdoers accountable and build healthier communities. As observed in 1 John 4:4, “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
God’s Love Is Stronger Than Anything
The Bible’s comprehensive view of power reminds us that while authority, in whatever form and on whatever level, can be a tool of justice and progress, it must never be wielded with a sense of superiority or entitlement, but rather with a spirit of humility and deference to the will of God. As Proverbs 3:5-6 firmly declares, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
The Bible outlines the many and varied facets of power and exhorts us to stay connected to Him and keep our goal firmly in view: do all that we do out of love for our Creator. To serve God. As 1 John 4:7-8 tells us, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
Having Faith In God’s Guidance
In matters of power and authority, the Bible provides us with enduring lessons on right and wrong—and what is expected of us in using whichever power we are given. While it can be difficult to hear and to heed God’s voice, ultimately the only safe and sure way to wield authority is to have faith in His guidance and direction. This is why the Bible repeatedly admonishes us to, “Fear the Lord and dread his power” (Job 28:28).
Having faith to trust in God’s power also means finding strength and comfort in knowing that everything is ultimately in his control, and since all power comes from God, we should yield to His desires and follow His will—no matter where that may lead. As Isaiah 40:31 so profoundly reminds us, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Take The Path Of Least Resistance
Ultimately, it is not our power that is most important, but rather the moral guidance that God provides and how we exercise our power in a way that is aligned with His will. As much as possible, we should look to God for His strength and wisdom, rather than relying solely on our own devices. As God told Moses in Exodus 33:14: “My presence will go before you and I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
This does not mean that we should be passive in the face of human authority. In fact, the Bible calls us to take a stand against whatever is contrary to God’s commands. But we should do so with a spirit of love and understanding, and with the belief that God will protect and act on our behalf. As our main source of power, God will always provide us with the strength and revelation to navigate the complex power structures of Earth.
The Fruits Of God’s Power
In the Bible, God provides us with an example of what working with power should look like, and when used for good, power can yield tangible fruits that demonstrate God’s faithfulness to us. In the book of Acts 4:30-31, we read of a miraculous healing that occurred as a sign of the power of God: “When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” When our power is grounded in God’s authority, anything is possible.
From elevating the lowly to humbling the arrogant; from providing comfort to the suffering to inspiring courage in the fearful, the Bible offers clear guidance on how to use power responsibly and with love. Remaining humble before the Creator and trusting in His authority and ultimate power is the best approach to avoiding the potential pitfalls of human power—both for ourselves, and for our communities.
Open To The Mercy Of Our Creator
The Bible also reminds us to stay connected to God, even in moments of uncertainty or trials, and seek His guidance in exercising whatever power we have. How God chooses to use His power on our behalf is ultimately a mystery, but it’s one that invites us to stay connected to Him. As 1 Peter 2:25 tells us: “For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
It is only by being open to the mercy and sovereignty of our Creator that we are able to discover and to exercise power in a way that puts our faith in Him and releases us from the burden of taking matters of power into our own hands. As it is written in Psalm 62:11: “God has spoken once, twice I have heard this; that power belongs to God.”
Becoming An Instrument Of God’s Will
In addition to this, the Bible directly cautions against mistaking power for a source of good in and of itself. Instead, readers are reminded to take advantage of the gifts God has given us, in whatever form or capacity, by focusing on His grace and faithfulness. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus challenges his listeners to “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s”—a reminder of our responsibility to be instruments of God’s will no matter the position to which we have been appointed.
Power and authority comprise serious matters that have eternal implications, and the Bible speaks to these considerations in great detail and depth. When we stay connected to our Creator and His teachings we can confidently use our power and authority for good. Our faith in God’s power will ensure that our use of our own will be effective and, ultimately, blessed.
