Power of Example, or Example of Power?

I’m hung on a phrase. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, in his non-Presidential-candidate speech, lifted a line from an earlier Bill Clinton speech, and said we must lead by “the power of example,” not from “the example of power.” Wow! Over the years of my ministry I have seen the power of example lived out many times, but unfortunately, I’ve also seen the abuse of power. Time and space prevent a recounting of those in my life who have demonstrated the power of example, undoubtedly beginning with my own parents. Nor would I care to list those whom I’ve observed abusing the power granted to them. Lord Acton was an English Catholic historian, politician, and writer, best known for the remark, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The one exception to that quote would be Jesus, who said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). With absolute power, Jesus refused to use it to accomplish a personal mission, but rather to issue a Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). That’s what power does. It challenges, motivates, equips. It does not take advantage, abusing, and destroying, everyone and everything that stands in its selfish, ego-centered, way.

Join me this week in praying for the following global concerns:
• Give thanks for 21 persons who have made decisions to follow Jesus in believer’s baptistism through Canvass Church on Vancouver Island, Canada. Continue to pray for Ashley and this new church plant.
• Continue to pray for missionaries who face an early November deadline for deciding to remain on the field or take an early retirement package offered by their sending agency.
• Pray for Ken & Kathy as they work with partners to start a new church in Oran Park, southwest of Sydney, Australia.