Abuse of Power in Leadership

We were all still shocked that such an abuse of power could go on within a Christian context.

Jeremiah 23:1-40

Reference:  v.24  “Who can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord.  “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord. (TNIV Bible)

Explore:  I was recently at a conference with other pastors and leaders hearing out the ethics of power.  Our speaker, Tim Dyer, spoke of a minister who, over a set period of time, had broken up nine marriages within the one church.  It was important for us to realise that as pastors we have access to people’s personal lives like no other profession does.  But we were all still shocked that such an abuse of power could go on within a Christian context.  One of the pastors sitting on my table turned to us and said, “Didn’t he realise that God sees everything?”  It was like this man had no conscience and even though he proclaimed God through his job he had failed to see His omnipresence.

Application:  Our Heavenly Father does hear and see everything.  He is with us in every situation.  At times we feel comforted by God’s presence when times get tough.  But then there are times when we gossip about others, put ourselves first or set out to hurt those who have wronged us that we forget that God is still there with us then too.  God is not the Big Brother figure who sees and hears everything so that he can control us.  Even when we’re heading in the wrong direction He still allows us freewill.  But that’s not to say that He will cover up all the consequences for our behaviour.  Whilst we may not always be aware of God’s presence it is good for us to be reminded that He is always there.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for always being there for us.  Forgive us for those times when we were hurtful towards others.  May we lead lives that reflect Your love and glory.  Amen.

Has there been a moment in your life recently when you forgot that God was there with you?