The character vs. power trap
Many Christians consider it more noble to choose character over power. Recently I was teaching a small group of young leaders about the importance of operating in power while ministering when one of them spoke up,
“I’ll pursue the power of God when I have more of God’s character in me.”
As good as that sounds, it comes from a religious mindset that idolizes concepts and false humility. It causes people to consider themselves unworthy of God using them in the miraculous. Ironically, Christians who value character over power are actually disobeying the Lord’s command.
When Jesus commissioned his followers, he said, “Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all I have commanded you.” Note that Jesus didn’t give us permission to say we aren’t ready.
No excuses
Many are uncomfortable with a demonstrative move of God’s power because of things they view as unscriptural or excessive. Yet, what should be uncomfortable to us, even embarrassing, is the lack of God’s power moving in our lives and churches.
Teaching, preaching, praying, or witnessing and seeing nothing happen cannot be explained away with God’s sovereignty. We cannot make excuses for powerlessness. The Word must go forth with power. A powerless Word is the letter of law and death, not the Spirit of life. Power is the realm of the Spirit.
Jesus is perfect theology. Jesus reveals the heart and will of God, and he went about healing everyone. Jesus then told us that the works he did we will also do, and even greater. But this is not automatic.
“Faith is spelled, R-I-S-K” (John Wimber)
The move of God’s power is the answer to the tragic condition of humankind. If we really want to see God move, then we must change the culture of religious excuses and risk moving out in pursuit of solutions to impossible situations. This is not to manipulate God, but instead it is a bold attempt to take Him at His Word. The normal for us should be a supernatural lifestyle that insists that God’s Kingdom is greater than anything we face!
Good Word, Pastor Joel. Looking at the methods Jesus used to teach and empower His disciples is revealing. They clearly indicate that even when He saw their ‘little faith’, He had already given them an assignment that they were on the backside of. They were not disqualified because they were still learning. It just gave Him another teaching moment. Love this style.
Tonight I read a quote by Ben Franklin – “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Seems like Ben learned this from Jesus.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/benjamin_franklin_383997
Thanks Pastor Joel!