What is Power?

Jul 12, 1998 by Rev. Christine

This month I'm speaking on those attributes that our country was founded upon. These are also the qualities of a spiritually realized person -- our God given gifts. When one thinks about those courageous independent people of the early New Thought movement, it was only 100 years after the Declaration of Independence, and a few years after the Civil War.

The spiritual movement had been slowly taking place in Europe, but it took form in America as a new kind of spiritual philosophy -- a way of life -- breaking tradition from organized religion. Truly exercising our pursuit of spiritual freedom and happiness.

This week I'm speaking about "What Is Power?" Today many relate power to those in seeming control, such as, government, world banking, large corporations, armed forces, drug cartels, and the super rich. Taking a look at the picture I've handed out, you can see that no one really wins with power over another or control.

The kind of power I'm speaking about is spiritual power which is not about controlling others. True power is never about controlling but rather liberating through empowerment - it is empowering others to be their best.

Many times in our attempt to help others we don't truly help because we haven't empowered them to help themselves. Instead we take control over the situation which only makes them more dependent. And, soon they expect to be taken care of rather than taking responsibility for their own future well being.

So many make others their authority, giving their power to another in making decisions, instead of listening to their own inner guidance. It can be very subtle that soon we believe whole heartedly in what that person is telling us. Commercials on TV are great for that. They have an actor that has played trust worthy roles to sell you medical insurance or pain relievers. Or, the concerned mother on TV telling of the coming flu season. Then we have the medical diagnosis and prognosis which may have a great impact upon recovery.

"By Whose Authority" is a great phrase to use when you hear something -- don't be afraid to question the authority of another. This is where you will find the dividing between being spiritual or ego and control driven.

Last week I made plans to take my grandson and friend to the Santa Cruz Beach on Friday. So on Thursday evening I watched the weather report for Friday, which was very fogging for the coastline. They showed the satellite views which supported their weather predictions. So we dressed warm, leaving our shorts and bathing suits at home.

We got there at noon, and the sun was out, it was absolutely beautiful, with just a slight cool breeze. I immediately thought, "I know better, Why did I let them influence me." These were only predictions which doesn't have to be. By whose authority did I believe and trust.

Spiritual power is life giving. I think of the energy we call power. This energy gives life to our cars, our homes, and toys. It then takes intelligence to operate these things for our use. I can power up a computer, but then I have to know how to operate the programs. Without the intelligence behind the wheel of a car it can become destructive. True spiritual power is Divine intelligence in expression.

I'm reminded of the three temptations of Jesus in Luke chapter 4:1-13.

After being baptized in the Jordan River, Jesus full of the Holy Spirit went into the wilderness that he might be tempted by the adversary. He was there 40 days being tempted by the adversary. He ate nothing during those days. And when they were over, at last he became hungry.

The Lamsa version of the Bible is translated from the Hebrew language, and uses the term adversary rather than devil or satan. This could be anyone who challenges us in our beliefs, including our own ego or past beliefs.

It is normal that after coming into new spiritual knowledge or experience that it takes time to embody it. Doubts may come in, we may wrestle with it. And, we really can't take in anything more until this is digested. Or else spiritual indigestion may occur, also known as chemicalization.

I have found this true for myself that when I have a new understanding that I get to put it to test. "How well do I really believe this?" I get to find out.

Jesus was then tested to use his power for his own personal needs, in making the bread out of stone. Which represents greed. Then he was tested being offered to be in power of all the nations and be glorified by others, if only he would worship his adversary or ego. This represents self-grandizement. In the third temptation Jesus was told to throw himself down from the temple, and the angels would be commanded to save him. This represents to control others even the angels.

These 3 temptations greed, self-grandizement, control are what happens when we compromise our spiritual power. Power used to manipulate the world for self purpose rather than for the good of the whole. After this test or initiation, Jesus was ready to commence with his spiritual work. Known by his good works Jesus was then recognized as the Messiah or Christ.

Then in the Lord's Prayer Matthew 6: 13 we are given the verse "And do not let us enter into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory for ever and ever. Amen." Here we have an affirmation to use power wisely and acknowledge God as the only true source of power. We then go forth in our day radiating and demonstrating the Power and Love of God in all our activities.

This is the path of a Truth student, as an initiate or disciple. True power is always inner power knowing our oneness in God, centered in Love, it is life giving and life supporting, and empowers others to be their best God Self. This is the power that will raise the world.

Today's affirmation:
"I am now empowered to live a rich full life."

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