Power and Control
By: Larry Young
“Christ did not exalt people by ministering to their pride. He humbled Himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross. Unless human pride is humbled and subdued, unless the stubborn heart is made tender by the Spirit of Christ, it is not possible for Him to impress His divine similitude upon us.” (Christ Triumphant, Letter 81, 1896; EG White)
My first adult experience with “power and control” issues began before I knew anything about the real Jesus, but the handwriting was on the wall (or more accurately) the hull of my Navy nuclear submarine, the USS Henry L Stimson. I was on the sonar gang with my friend Ron, and we were both 3rd Class petty officers. But one day at sea, Ron took a test and was promoted to 2nd Class petty officer. He was suddenly no longer my friend. He immediately determined that I must become his “shoeshine boy” and obey all his commands… or else! That went over like a lead balloon; I refused to be ordered around by him. The acting officer in charge of sonar ended up putting Ron and myself on different schedules, so that we didn’t need to bump into each other. That problem was never really resolved, but my first step towards understanding Christianity had begun.
Years later I finally learned that there’s always someone that I must answer to: At work, I always answered to a manager, who answered to another manager, and ultimately answered to the corporate president. At home, I fell in love with an awesome woman who already had a son. As a provider and husband and dad, I have always answered to my responsibilities, to pay my taxes, and to take my place in our society and culture. All of that is power and control in its appropriate place and setting.
When I accepted Jesus the Christ as my creator, savior, and God, that added an ultimately superior form of power and control to my life. Jesus’ power and control is superior because I always retain my free will and power of choice. Jesus wants us to follow Him and do what He says out of love, not out of fear, compulsion, or threats. Jesus has never sinned, nor will He ever sin; so, I can follow Him as the One True God with complete trust, regardless of the circumstances I’m surrounded by.
However, there is something that quietly destroys congregations, divides families, and pushes people out of the very place God called them to grow. It’s the spirit of power and control, not the kind that comes from Christ, but the kind that comes from man!
It’s the kind that takes a simple ministry title and turns it into a throne. The kind that takes responsibility and turns it into a weapon. The kind that says, “Do it my way… or get out”. Some of you have seen this, or felt this, or maybe even been wounded by this?
I have worshipped in several churches and have found that even in God’s church, amongst God’s people, there are occasions when we strive for power and control over others. It manifests in different ways. Sometimes in an overbearing approach. Other times in a dictatorial spirit, or it can be a lack of concern for the feelings of those around me. All too often a title means more than Christ’s calling, and this is a spiritual issue.
Power without Love is Destructive. Churches can collapse when people cling to titles, when people demand control and elevate themselves above Christ, or when people shove Christ’s servants out the back door of the church. Christ Holds the Real Power and Control. The church doesn’t belong to the pastor, elders, the board, the loudest voice, or the most controlling personality. The church belongs to Jesus Christ! Jesus is the Head. He is the shepherd. He is the authority. His power looks nothing like ours: Our power demands. His power heals. Our power pushes people out. His power brings people in. Our power divides. His power unites. Our power crushes. His power lifts. Our power says “serve me”. His power says “Let me serve you”.
Let us be a church where: Titles are tools, not thrones. Where leaders are servants, not rulers. Where volunteers are valued, not controlled. Where gifts are welcomed, not micromanaged. Where Christ is exalted, not replaced. Where no one is compelled to leave because someone else wants control. Let us be a church where Christ alone holds the real power. Where humility is a sign of Christ’s power, not a sign of weakness to be stomped on. Where a change of heart is a victorious miracle, not a loss of control.
If you’ve been hurt by controlling people in the church, Christ sees you.
If you’ve been pushed out, Christ welcomes you.
If you’ve been silenced, Christ hears you.
If you’ve been told “do it my way or leave”, Christ says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. … for I am gentle and humble in heart,… For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11: 28 – 30)
Today, let us lay down our titles, our control, our demands, our selfish pride, and our need to be first; and lift up the one who truly leads this church: Jesus Christ, the Servant King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen