Why is it important that leaders understand the nature and source of power?

Deuteronomy 8:17-18“He [the Lord] did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.”

Zechariah 4:6Then he [the angel] said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”

Leaders have the ability to influence others, to mobilize resources, and to get the attention of significant people or groups of people in society. They can make things happen—or keep things from happening. In short, they have power to control others and situations. This is the most seductive aspect of leadership—but is also at the heart of effectiveness. Ultimately, however, leaders in all walks of life are dependent on God’s power. There are no “self-made” people who have power in and of themselves. They cannot claim responsibility for their birth, their genetic make-up, nor the political, economic, and social circumstances and times into which they were born. God allows us to live at the time and place of his choosing. Wise leaders continually remember where their power comes from so that they use it according to God’s values and will.

John 15:5“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”

2 Corinthians 2:16; 3:5Who is adequate for such a task as this? . . . It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

Ephesians 1:21-23Now he [Christ] is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Colossians 1:18Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything.

James 3:1-2Not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

Those who exercise power in the church (pastors, elders, teachers) must be keenly aware of their responsibilities before God. The church is Christ’s body and no one other than Jesus is the head of the church. Those who serve as leaders within the church must do so humbly, continually seeking God for wisdom and courage to lead God’s people in a hostile world.