Power and Positions
Matthew 5:14-16
Have you ever seen a lighthouse in real life or in movies? It stands tall amidst tumultuous seas. It doesn’t shy away from the storm. Rather, it stands firm, casting light far and wide, and guiding ships safely to shore.
Similarly, as Christians, we are like lighthouses, placed strategically during life’s storms. God positions us in various spheres of influence not to follow the crowd, but to stand out as people of impact and do exploits.
Just as a lighthouse is elevated to give it a vantage point, believers are called to positions of power and influence in society. These positions should not be for personal gain or recognition but for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Dear believer, it should not be about the grandeur of the title or the authority you wield but it should be about your God-given assignment in that role and the humility and integrity with which you serve in that capacity.
Matthew 5:14-16
New King James Version
14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Keep in mind that your service is directed towards God Himself. He has specifically positioned you in your sphere of influence for His glory. Your actions should reflect who you are in Him, leading others to glorify Him.
You have been given the capacity for the work ahead; God has equipped you with the strength to fulfil His calling upon your life. Furthermore, God is willing to lead you and support you at every turn. After all, He who sent you would surely back you up – this is your advantage as a believer.
Just as light cannot be hidden and naturally illuminates its surroundings, your presence should stand out and influence those around you. Within your assigned position, you are an instrument of change and a catalyst of God in the lives of others.
Let’s examine examples of individuals who held positions of power and remained steadfast in their faith despite facing opposition and temptations. They not only stood firm in their commitment to God but also used their influence to honour him without misusing their authority.
1. DANIEL
Daniel 3:24-25, 27-29
New King James Version
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” they answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst if the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the son of God”
27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they have frustrated the king’s word, and vielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship anv god except their own
29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this
Daniel’s story illustrates how he maintained integrity while holding a position of power. He refused to let his role define him, instead, he defined it with his unwavering commitment to God. Even when faced with adversity and imminent death, he stood firm in his convictions.
His story is deeply inspiring; he resisted defilement with the king’s food, interpreted dreams, trusted God in the fiery furnace, and thereby magnified God’s name in Babylon. Even though he was the third ruler of the kingdom, he maintained a vibrant devotion. Amidst the challenges of politics and governance, he remained blameless.
2. JOSEPH
Jospeh’s story is no news to us. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers and facing numerous trials, Joseph remained faithful to God. As the will of God would have it, he rose to become a trusted advisor to Pharoah in Egypt. He used his position to save the nation from famine and reunite with his family, always attributing his success to God’s guidance and provision (Genesis 41: 39-44, NKJV).
3. ESTHER
A Jewish orphan became the queen of Persia through God’s providence. When faced with the threat against her people, Esther courageously approached the King to intercede on their behalf, risking her life. Through her bravery and trust in God, she saved the Jewish people from destruction (Esther 7: 1-10, NKJV).
4. DAVID
David, chosen by God to be the king of Israel, faced numerous challenges and temptations throughout his reign. Despite his flaws and mistakes, he consistently acknowledged God’s sovereignty and sought His guidance. He used his power to establish justice, unite the nation, and honor God, earning the title “a man after God’s own heart”(1 Sam 13:14, 2 Sam 2:11, 2 Sam 7:1-16, NKJV).
These individuals exemplify how it is possible to hold positions of power, remain faithful to God, make Him known, and use your authority for His purpose.
Prophecies have gone ahead of you concerning your career. There is so much that God is ready to do through you. You can be a tool of influence for God even in places where everyone seems to follow the crowd.
Remember that as a Christian you were called to be set apart. Therefore, never compromise your values. Be an ambassador for Christ in everything that you do. In that position, let it be known that you represent God and Him alone. Be ready to use your position to fulfil God’s mandate.
Prayer Point:
In every position of authority this year, I make an impact! I am empowered to make a difference wherever I find myself. I am conscious of the fact that I am an ambassador of God and I represent accordingly. I do not let power control me. Rather, I remain fully submitted to the dictates and will of God.