Just Like Jesus

In learning that I was a powerful person, I realized I had a choice to use that power like Jesus does, for the good of others, or to use that power for the destruction of others. Jesus models how to use personal power for the good of others.

Jesus is our Savior, but He doesn’t enable us. In the gospels, when someone wanted something from Jesus, He asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” His questions helped people practice becoming a healthy self by taking personal responsibility to ask for what they wanted. Scripture says, “You do not have because you do not ask God” (James 4:2 NIV). Jesus wants us to be assertive and to learn how to ask for what we desire, without demand or entitlement.

Jesus invites people to follow Him, but He never uses coercion. He is not a bully.  Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20 NIV). He doesn’t kick the door in or threaten us with hell and damnation. He doesn’t demand loyalty. He made us in His image with free will and choice; He chose us and He invites us to choose Him. Sadly, some people do not honor free will and use it destructively. Thus the brokenness we see in our world and why we have to set limits with others and ourselves.

Jesus always uses His power for the good of others. He is not a victim. He chose to die on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again—victorious! He empowers people. God has a limitless supply of power, and He shares that power with His children. Surrendering your personal power to Jesus releases His love to flow from you to your relationships. That is exactly how Jesus chose to live His life on earth. His personal power was submitted to His loving Father and then He used that power for our good.

Thought Bomb: How are you using your power?