Power

I can remember when I was a teenager, I had a silly t-shirt that read something like this:

Knowledge is Power

Power Corrupts

So study hard and be evil

I was a bit of a nerd, so I thought it was kinda funny at the time. Looking at that same statement from the knowledge I have now it is true that knowledge is power. That power, however, should be used for the kingdom, not abused nor for personal gain. There are people of this world who like to hoard the knowledge and the power. A speaker at our church once said that it is leaders who lack confidence who do not share in their knowledge. There are people who feel threatened if they are not the ones in control, holding all the knowledge. The bible tells us even angels know better than to abuse their power.

2 Peter 2:11 (NIV):

...yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not heap abuse on such beings when bringing judgment on them from the Lord.

Why this fear? What I have seen over the past week in my surroundings is a complete control of knowledge and creating barricades to allow others access to that knowledge; even becoming defensive and hostile when asked to share as if stealing a lollipop from a child. Let me be clear, not in my church...in other parts of my life I see this happening and those hoarding the knowledge are so overcome by the power they perceive they have that they miss the opportunity to see what they are destroying. The gossip that ensues as others speculate or try to ascertain what is going on - because they cannot get the knowledge. That their inability to let others in causes distrust, resentment, and chaos; all unnecessary. For what?

I, of course, became frustrated in what I was seeing and started to feel stressed and worried. Then my husband asked me the simplest question - why? ...why worry when you know God has got this. A simple text that breathed a fresh spirit into me and blew frustration out. So, I began looking to the bible, looking for words on knowledge. Simple words, a rich and abundant solution. So, if you are having one of those moments. Frustrated by those in authority or those with knowledge who seem strangely satisfied with the chaos of the unknown around them while they wrap the knowledge around them like a security blanket, then remember this - your security blanket is God, your knowledge is God, and your POWER is God!

Proverbs 20:15 (NIV):

Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

2 Peter 1:5 (NLT):

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,

I believe that excellence requires knowledge. Knowledge is power, but to be shared. Do not hoard what you know, bring others along with you as supporters, and guides, and always, always bring God.

Mathew 18:20 (NIV):

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.