POWER DRUNK

Matthew 8:9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Today’s conversation between Jesus and the centurion could have gone very differently. In any instance, it may never have happened but for the concern of the soldier for his servant. The reason for this was made evident in the words of the centurion captured in the reference verse: “I am a man under authority and I have soldiers under me”. That acknowledgement is critical.

To be “Power drunk” means being so consumed by a sense of authority and control that one becomes arrogant, unreasonable, and makes bad decisions.
In that state, you begin to think only you know it all, only your way works, only your structures are destined for success. That state is often characterized by a feeling of superiority, arrogance, and overconfidence.

This subsequently means feedback is ignored and power is abused for personal gain, both of which often lead to negative consequences. There is a way to wield power such that it does not corrupt, the first step involves recognizing that you are also under authority. If no physical authority stands out, you are under the Lordship of Jesus. That should be your constraint.

#sly