What Power Will Do To You (#981)
"Power does strange things to people," say recent studies. "Like alcohol, (it) has a tangible effect on the brain." Holding power over others actually rewires the brain to give them less empathy and respect for others. Is that why Jesus told his followers that while the world assumes authority over others, it isn't so in his kingdom? Kyle and Wayne discuss power distribution in hierarchical systems and why it almost always leads to abuse, indulgence, and corruption.
Podcast Notes:
- The video recording of this podcast. (New FB policy only preserves this link for the first 30 days after the recording date.)
- Sorry, but the Science BBC Report on Drunk with Power is not currently available on the web
- The Roys Report: Honor Culture and How to Control the Masses
- Get Wayne's newest book, It's Time!
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I had a similar insight into Jesus’ comment when his disciples woke him up during the windstorm that was swamping their boat. I saw it for the first time this week as an observation rather than a critique meant to belittle his disciples. In Matthew’s account, this event was in a very early part of the disciples journey with Jesus. Their relationship with Jesus was just beginning. Sure there are some, like the Centurion who had faith that was beyond any that Jesus had found in all of Israel, but that’s the exception. For most of us, it takes growth in our relationship with Jesus before we have faith like that Centurion had .
I’m struck by a dilemma. If I encourage and submit to an individual taking power over me, I am contributing to a system that pulls me and that person away from God. But if I fight against that power, I could be in danger of becoming just as powerful and hardened against the life Jesus wants for me. The world system seems to squeeze people into these roles of oppressor and oppressed, with shake ups that switch places but without real change toward spiritual
and emotional health.
I hear you, Kathy. That’s how it looks on the surface. I have found there are so many other options, though, Kathy. Following him will open up other opportunities neither to capitulate to power nor use it to fight off others.