EVER GREATER POWER

Man's Search and God's Answer
Since the very beginning of time, women and men have relentlessly pursued ever greater power. From Eve in the Garden of Eden, our motive has been clear: the more powerful we become, the more like God we can be. And maybe, just maybe, we can amass enough power to defeat the ultimate lack of power – that of our death. Genesis 3:4 lays out the case for the first example of this, and the entire human history is nothing but a repeat of our rebellious attitudes and actions. We want the power to decide what we do and don’t do and can be lured into inventing elaborate schemes to achieve such control.


“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4 NIV


Knowledge is power. Absolute knowledge is absolute power, and Satan continually uses this temptation to this day. Many Christ-followers are led astray by the pursuit of the wrong kind of power. It comes in many forms of sin, but in the final analysis, the transgression was fueled by the desires of the flesh for the power to act like God and do anything that we want.


Conversely, many are led in paths of righteousness by pursuing God’s power for God’s glory. Acts 1:8 shows us that power is given to us by the Holy Spirit to be an effective witness of the Gospel of Christ and all that it entails. We have countless examples of the godly use of power demonstrated by Jesus during His three-year ministry on Earth.


“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 NIV


I pray that we seek the right kind of power. In order to do so, we first need to ensure that the provider of that power is none other than the Holy Spirit. Any other source will lead us astray and damage our witness.


It is surprising to realize that our thirst for greater and greater power can be a good thing. I’ve always thought of it as a source of evil. However, I now realize that if the power is from the Holy Spirit, and I use it for witnessing and attesting to the Gospel of Christ, then I am doing God’s will.


To Him who has all power, God the Father, Christ Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit – blessed, Triune God, may He give us His power to do His will in His way and in His time. Amen.
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For our greatest power in Christ - your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
March 05, 2024
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at [email protected]. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.