How to become powerful

"While we were powerless, Christ died for us," Paul wrote.

But wait! I thought Jesus laid aside his godly privileges to become a servant. How can a servant be powerful and change the world?

Here are a few ideas from Jesus' life of power and influence:

1. Know who you are and who sent you. God is pleased that you and I were born and that we are willing to act on his behalf. HE is powerful and sends us.
2. Ask God for your assignment. Jesus prayed by himself and got direction from his Father.
3. Be willing to do anything, great or small, to serve others. What makes me (or you) intrinsically better than anyone else so that we expect to escape mundane chores and dirty work? It's all the King's business!
4. Be courteous and pay attention to people. Notice the young and old, the hurting and the strong. Who needs God's attention today -- through you?
5. Align yourself daily to God's character and you'll know whether something is a fit or not. Anything that causes you to envy, steal someone's good name or stuff, or bring bad repute on God's name probably isn't "God's will" for your life.
6. Expect to be different. You'll stand out because of God's power through you. However, your own reputation may suffer, as Jesus' did!

People of influence and ongoing authority in my own life have consistently served, rather than looking to be served.

The power of Christ, in laying down our lives for others, excites attention in a self-serving world. Who knows where God will take you, if you are willing to do the humblest background service? The skills and reputation you have built may take you to the forefront, but even if they don't, God has you front and center on his stage of Kingdom events. A powerful place indeed!

Read more:

*Noah did all that God commanded him. Genesis 6:22  

*You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:6-9 NIV

*You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds. Ephesians 4:22-23 (NIV)

Moravian Prayer: Give us the courage to obey you, Lord, even when others don’t understand. Wash away the filth of this world in us, refreshing us with newness of life and purpose. As we put away our old selves, renew our minds by your presence and power, living joyfully in your grace. Amen.