Post by TheFirebrand on Mar 1, 2012 16:13:18 GMT -6
It is very crucial to note that it is power that corrupts, not the power that is corrupt. Its like electricity. When handled properly, provides light and energy. When mishandled it can destroy. God has given power to the state (government) for the use of restraining evil and maintaining order. It is their use of power, whether for personal gain or for the state's "ordained" function, that is in question. As we have seen in recent years as well as times past, that power is fast becoming the evil itself ...
Power is not limited to public officials. It affects relationships of all aspects: from parenthood, bullying bosses, manipulitive spouses, even pastors playing God. It is as well wielded quite effectively among the seemingly weak individuals who manipulate others for their own agenda. The temptation to abuse power confronts everyone. Including, if not especially those in spiritual authority ...
The much publicized corruption of many television evangelists can easily be traced to an inability to properly handle power. Its an intoxicatingly exciting busines to run worldwide ministries, multi-million dollar TV shows or even wealthy amphitheater churches. Leaders who rise to prominence in the religious world are placed on a pretty precarious pedestal of Christian celebrity. Tho this is not exclusive to only Televangelists. But when the celebrity is magnified a million times over by the technology of visualization, the danger levels of falling into corruption are dramatically increased ...
It is absolutely ludicrous for any Christian to believe that they are a worthy object of public worship (The pope is a prime example) Its much like the donkey who carried Jesus into Jerusalem believing the crowds were cheering and laying down their garments for it ...
But the perks of so much public adoration accompanying the celebrity exposure are enough to inflate nearly anyone's ego. This leads to self indulgent use of power. Giving the mindframe: "Because I'm in this position, I am entitled to whatever I want" ... Ultimately with a selfishness and total disregard for others.
The same reason applies to why I do not show my self or share my personal life on here. It is not the messenger who should be followed, but the message. I am not perfect, nor do I consider myself a great example to follow. I do my best to live by my words of faith and Gods truth, but as a man I would fail and dissapoint like anyone else ...
Power is like saltwater, the more you drink the thirstier you get ...
Power is not limited to public officials. It affects relationships of all aspects: from parenthood, bullying bosses, manipulitive spouses, even pastors playing God. It is as well wielded quite effectively among the seemingly weak individuals who manipulate others for their own agenda. The temptation to abuse power confronts everyone. Including, if not especially those in spiritual authority ...
The much publicized corruption of many television evangelists can easily be traced to an inability to properly handle power. Its an intoxicatingly exciting busines to run worldwide ministries, multi-million dollar TV shows or even wealthy amphitheater churches. Leaders who rise to prominence in the religious world are placed on a pretty precarious pedestal of Christian celebrity. Tho this is not exclusive to only Televangelists. But when the celebrity is magnified a million times over by the technology of visualization, the danger levels of falling into corruption are dramatically increased ...
It is absolutely ludicrous for any Christian to believe that they are a worthy object of public worship (The pope is a prime example) Its much like the donkey who carried Jesus into Jerusalem believing the crowds were cheering and laying down their garments for it ...
But the perks of so much public adoration accompanying the celebrity exposure are enough to inflate nearly anyone's ego. This leads to self indulgent use of power. Giving the mindframe: "Because I'm in this position, I am entitled to whatever I want" ... Ultimately with a selfishness and total disregard for others.
The same reason applies to why I do not show my self or share my personal life on here. It is not the messenger who should be followed, but the message. I am not perfect, nor do I consider myself a great example to follow. I do my best to live by my words of faith and Gods truth, but as a man I would fail and dissapoint like anyone else ...
Power is like saltwater, the more you drink the thirstier you get ...