New Reminders: Empowerment vs. Entitlement

Empowerment can either be given or is taken and both can be in operation at the same time. Power that is given is most often bestowed upon a certain person or group by a higher power.  For example, in a democracy the people have the power to vote to allow a certain person or group to govern them.  In the US that is the president, congress and the courts.  Each branch is given a certain amount of power over how the government operates and each is guided and constrained by the constitution and the next vote.

Ideally, the democratic system guarantees that individuals within the country feel entitled to live a free and autonomous life.  The people feel empowered to conduct their own lives with certain rights and responsibilities.  They feel free to make their own choices, and within the law, to do as they please. The problem is that some people who are given power feel entitled to also take and abuse that power, and as a result, some other people might feel oppressed rather than free.  That happens because human beings are too often self-centered and feel entitled to misuse the power they have been given to suppress the rights of others for their own purposes.

The kingdom of God is not a democracy. It is a kingdom, with a supreme leader and self- selected subjects.  This seems like an anathema to some people who believe in democracy, but the difference is that in God’s kingdom, power is tempered with love.  In a democracy, power is tempered by an idea that all people are equal under the law.  The flaw in the idea is that human beings are too easily corrupted by the power and freedoms they are given. In God’s kingdom, believers are asked to give up some of their power and autonomy (self-determination) to follow a superior set of principles. In exchange, we are guided not by power but by faith, love, and commitments to allow ourselves to be empowered by good (God).

Jesus demonstrated that empowerment when he sent his apostles out to spread the good news of the gospel that all who believe are entitled to salvation through his death and resurrection. In Acts 1:8, He said: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And in Luke 19:19-20, He said: “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Christians are given the power to overcome adversity and to do great things.  We have faith that God not only protects but also gives us great courage and strength.  Philippians 4:13 entitles us along with the apostle Paul, to say, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”