Power, Politics and Revenge
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Lord Acton wisely spoke these words in 1887. There has been a disturbing trend in our state that those who hold power feel they have the right to dictate their wishes to all over whom they wield their power, and that these must fall into lock step or become victims of political and personal revenge.
There is nothing honorable or right about seeking your own revenge; it is very arrogant and even dangerous for politicians to self-righteously quote Scripture to support their quest for political revenge, inferring that somehow they are acting on God’s instructions to take down political enemies even when they use dishonest, unethical means to do so. Romans 12:19 tells us not to avenge ourselves, but that instead “vengeance belongs to God; He will repay”. In the immediate result, they may get what they want-but God says that along with that He will send an empty heart, a “wasting disease”. Make no mistake – God will not be mocked. They will reap what they have sown, because God sees it all and is not pleased with their unrighteous deeds.
Our human nature that cries out for wrongs to be righted was given to us at creation, but the ultimate judge and Righter of wrongs is God – His is the final decision and nothing is hidden from Him. People may seem to get away with injustices for a time, but God sees. Our world–starting with our state–is crying out for someone like Nathan who spoke truth to King David when he needed to hear it most. Speaking truth to power is probably the most thankless and unpopular assignment one can receive, and yet it can turn the tide and change the direction for a group of people that can have a far-reaching impact. A leader who is willing to admit they have made mistakes AND is willing to correct them will have the support of the people, contrary to what some might believe. Leaders with humility are true servant-leaders, the kind Jesus called us to be
Faith Through the Journey 