The Display of Power

 The polarization we see in our nation is more than a matter of two different political parties. It reflects two different understandings of what power is which translates into two different sets of values. 

Perhaps this view is an oversimplification, but it seems to me some people view power as a commodity. It is something external to be desired and sought after. Once obtained, it is to be used for ones own advantage, at ones own pleasure. Apparently, it can be easily lost just like any other commodity. Thus, it must be protected at all costs. Using power for ones own advantage generally means using it against others, to threaten and intimidate others, to take advantage of and exploit others, and to impose "my way" on others. This view and use of power is the way of the playground bully - using the power of size to intimidate others to get his way. It is expressed in the old adage of "might makes right." 

This view of power and way of using power has been on display during this election cycle as MAGA parades and self-proclaimed patriots physically challenged and intimidated Biden supporters. Interestingly, I did not see any of the reverse practice or I would call it out, too. (Note: this view of power and way of using power masquerades as patriotism while denying fundamental democratic principles upon which our nation is built: the freedom to think differently, the freedom of speech.) This view of power and way of using power continues even after the election is over in the rallies of those who refuse to accept the election results, claiming election fraud. It has been on display in the Senate, under the iron hand of Mitch McConnell, as the Senate rushed through the confirmation of a Supreme Court justice while refusing to act on any kind of COVID relief legislation. Of course, this is the pattern of the current President, operating under the slogan of "law and order." It lies behind his pattern of using lawsuits to get his way and protect his interests. The size of our military and our pattern of military intervention in other nations suggests it could be the pattern of our nation, as well. Perhaps this pattern and way of thinking lies behind the unyielding insistence upon "my Second Amendment right to bear arms" and fear that "the liberals will take our guns." (FYI: I believe in reasonable gun rights.) 

The irony of this way of using power in our nation is that our nation was founded in rebellion against a king who used power in this way. The Revolutionary Army fought for independence from one they called "a tyrant." Our founding documents were written to create a government "of the people, by the people, for the people" to protect us from again having power tyrannically used against us. I wonder: have we become like our enemy?  

While this view of and use of power is common - Jesus identified it as the way of the world (Mark 10:42) - it is not true power. It is driven by anxiety and fear. It camouflages inner weakness and the fear generated by that sense of weakness. A bully is but a self-deluded weakling in disguise. A bully's only power is the power of fear and the power we give him. 

Authentic power is not an external commodity to be obtained and prized. True power is internal - a dimension of character. It is rooted in spiritual principles and guided by divine truth. It is patterned after the nature of God  and the ways of God. It is expressed in self-control - managing ones own fears and emotional reactivity. Self-control keeps us from demonizing, attacking, dominating, and controlling others. Authentic power is demonstrated in a servant spirit in which power is used on behalf of others. 

Jesus expressed it this way. "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:42-45, NRSV). 

The world's way (among the Gentiles) is to use power over, down against, for personal benefit, at the other's expense. It is the way of the bully. God's way - and, thereby, the way of Jesus and his followers - is to use power alongside of another and on behalf of another, even at great personal expense. It is the way of the servant. Jesus identified true greatness with using power to serve others. 

So many of today's self-identified patriots are quick to assert that our nation is a Christian nation, founded on Christian principles. If our nation is to be truly Christian, how we view and use power must change ... and, with it, what we value. We must learn to use power the way Jesus used power - to serve - and to value what Jesus valued. Only then will we as a nation be truly great!