We often think of power as a way to do something. But power can also be
about not doing something.
Think about a dam. It holds back a
massive weight of water. That requires an amount of power to contain all that
potential energy. It is easy to see the power in a rocket blasting off but less
so in a coiled spring.
In the Bible, two different Greek
words are used when talking about forms of power. Dunamis represents the
power to do something. It’s often associated with miraculous things. It references
wealth or an army, something you have to get a job done.
Another term is Exousia. It
is the power to hold something in check. It’s often associated with authority
or government. It is the power of
choice, what you can do or not do.
I wonder if we do the same thing
with these concepts as we do with physical examples. We don't often think of
having power in not doing something, but the truth is that kind of power is
just as exceptional.
Don’t think it is weak to hold
back, don’t assume a lack of strength to decline. Being out of control isn’t a
strength, it’s a sign of weakness.
Be under control not controlled
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