Few of us can handle power effectively. Yet, we want to know that we are in control. Attaining and holding onto power is often a goal of our lives. Janet Hagberg in Real Power: Stages of Personal Power in Organizations refers to stages of power and how these are evidenced in the way people lead.
Powerlessness is expressed in the manipulation of others.
Power by association is achieved by modeling what others do.
Power by achievement is about being in control and leading from the front.
Power by reflection is based on integrity and leading from the middle.
Power by purpose is based on self-acceptance and empowering of others.
Power by wisdom is self-sacrificing wisdom, evident in sages who tap into a greater power.
Few of us let go of our need to be in control. We fear giving away our authority. We enjoy our positions and titles. We forget that the only significant power is that that comes from God.
Paul prayed for the Christians in Ephesus that they would know what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according the working of his great power (Eph. 1:19). To the church at Colossae he wrote, For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me (Colossians 1:29). Paul understood that true power is the supernatural power of God, the only power that enables us to be all that we hope to be. When we awaken to the reality of God’s power at work through us, will will be freed to let God’s power direct our lives.
I recommend Rhonda Kelley’s Bible study for believers desiring to know God more and discover His power in their lives.
