The Problem isn’t Power. Basil and Ambrose were both men of power, but used it in vastly different ways.

What do we do with power? It’s a question that comes up often in a world where abuse and misuse of power is rampant – in nations with political leaders, in companies with businesspeople, even in mega-churches with pastors. With great power comes great potential for abuse and damage.

So how do we handle power?

Some say, power is dangerous, so the solution is to have less of it. Don’t get too powerful, don’t get too wealthy, stay small and we’ll be fine.

They have a point. Having power is dangerous. Neuroscientists tell us that the experience of power actually changes the brain. It makes it less empathetic so that we can’t see the needs of people around us. It seems we enjoy being able to make people do what we want them to do.

Yet power by definition is merely the ability to get something done. It’s a neutral force. The main variable lies in how we use it and what we use it for. Consider three leaders from history.

1. Basil the Great

Basil the Great was a bishop who lived in the 4^th Century (370AD) in the east in Cappadocia – now modern day Turkey. As a bishop, he had great power. So, how did he use it?

Basil used his power to build a public hospital and wellness centre. It was the first of its kind, providing universal healthcare at a time when only the rich and those who belonged to the Roman army could afford a doctor. Basil’s hospital and wellness centre became the prototype for all hospitals to come.

Basil used his power as an expression of Jesus’ teaching to love your neighbour – to heal, dignify and place value on all.

2. Ambrose

Ambrose was also a bishop who lived in the 4^th Century. He lived in the western part of the Roman empire – in Milan.

Like Basil, Ambrose was powerful too, but he used his power to coerce, destroy and oppress. He ordered the destruction of the local Jewish synagogue because he didn’t agree with their beliefs. He intimidated so-called heretics with cross-examination. Ambrose mixed his power with the state and set the model for church-state relations in the West for the decades and centuries to come.

Both men held positions of great power, but they used it in different ways.

3. Jesus

What about Jesus? As the Son of God, Jesus was supremely powerful with the entire angelic realm at his disposal.

At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus was tempted to misuse his power. The enemy promised to give him all the kingdoms of the world if only Jesus worshipped him. What was Jesus’ response?

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:8-9)

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ (Matthew 4:10)

Jesus rejected power when it was offered to serve himself, but embraced it when given for others. He used his power to heal the sick, empower the poor and wash people’s feet. When he died and rose again, Jesus became the most powerful man on earth, because his power was offered in service of love.

4. For us?

The challenge then falls to us. What will we do with power? Will we use it for our own ends as in the way of Ambrose, or use it for others as in the way of Jesus and Basil?

If we are business people, will we use our power to employ others with meaningful work that brings blessing to their home and energises the economy?

If we are political leaders, will we use our power to serve people and not exult ourselves in the eyes of others?

If we are spiritual leaders, will we use our power to equip the saints to follow Jesus and not fixate on how the church makes me look good?

If we are leaders in our family, will we use our power to raise up family members to fulfil their potential and not make them in the image of our ourselves?

The problem isn’t power. It’s how we use it.