Taking It To Work:
Omnipotence. It means all powerful. Not just very powerful. It means possessing and having at His disposal all existent power. It means nothing is out of his control, past, present or future. Without exception, everything is in His complete command. It is what every tyrannical leader in history was after, and what many world leaders are after today.
Power. It encapsulates the ability to have it all: unlimited wealth, worldwide fame, complete dominance, unbridled independence to do whatever you wish. Over the centuries, millions upon millions have been slaughtered and enslaved by those with means enough to have the delusional hope of attaining this ultimate position of absolute power.
You and I will likely never be there, but can you imagine the temptation? I can be lead by the nose by a salesman tempting me with a used boat that I can’t afford. Can you imagine the temptation that the Stalins, Hitlers and Putins of the world must feel with Satan himself leading them down this false road of ultimate power? I can’t imagine how, without the Holy Spirit these guys would ever be able to focus on anything else. It’s like the ultimate shiny object for the greediest men of the world.
Satan dangled that shiny object in front of Jesus in the desert. He showed Him all the kingdoms of the world…all he had to do is bow. Well, we know our Lord stood the test, but here’s where it concerns us:
When we are given a position of authority, and that happens most often in the workplace, it is always tempting to lead with the power that our new title brings, and in doing so, not be concerned with the treatment, feelings or thoughts of others. Business environments often have situations where finances, schedule and risk can pressure us to pushing aside Christ-like ways of leadership. Instead of drawing them where they want to work hard for us, we can find ourselves pounding the table demanding impossible performance or commanding unethical obedience.
Be careful if you call yourself a Christian. Others will judge Christianity by the way you lead in your given position. You may have a big desk, but be gentle and humble of heart. You are not given power to force, but to draw, as His Word works through you, today.
Philemon v 8-9 (ESV) -Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you…
Matt 4:8 (ESV) – )Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Eph 4:2 (ESV) – With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…
Hebrews 1:3 (ESV) – He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
Col 1:17 (ESV) – And He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Isa 43:13 (ESV) – Also henceforth I am He; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?”
Deut 24:14 (ESV) – “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your countrymen or one of your aliens who is in your land in your towns.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
I come as a still, small voice. You were not forced into My service, nor My grace. It was offered, and you need not have partaken of the vow nor the gift. Love draws. Forgiveness draws. Servanthood draws. Those who bark, make wary those who might otherwise approach. I am gentle and humble of heart. Are you My reflection? Lift your eyes to My judgment of you. Is it harsh? Again and again you have made promises beyond your reach, but do I scold?
Correct gently. Lead those around you with a contrite heart. Let none feel lowly for your estate in Me. Welcome the sinner, that gently they may know My call through you. Correction is from My Spirit, and they will know the discipline of the Father’s hand when it is needed, but you must not demand. A soft word is far stronger.
