Say we want a revolution// We better get on right away// Well, get then on your feet// And enter the street// Singin’ power to the people, power to the people// Power to the people, power to the people, right on… John Lennon, 1971
Hold on to your socks because whether or not you think so, you are a very powerful person! But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God… John 1.12, NRSVUE. God has given you power to live triumphantly, to move mountains instead of tripping over anthills, and to transform the world instead of conforming to it. It’s tremendous power, so take a few moments to reflect on that.
You have the power to change for the better. Yup, you do! The good news is that you do not have to remain as you are. If you feel discouraged, fearful, angry, or confused, you have the power to find dynamic new life in Christ and God will help you. God himself will help you become more like Jesus, our model for holiness, goodness, righteousness and perfection. “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3.18). You can change for the better, if you want to.
You have the power to choose for the truth. Since the beginning of time, God has given people the power to choose the course of their destiny. “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live…” (Deut. 30.19). No living being has more power to choose than you. You can’t always control events, but you can control your response to them. Conditions color life, but you can choose the color! It’s your choice to rise above mistakes and hurts, to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, and open your heart to the transforming love of Christ – or not. Today choose right – choose life, choose blessing, choose Jesus. You have that power.
You have the power to challenge yourself and others. “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1.9). Be bold in your faith! Challenge yourself and others to change for the better and choose for the right.
Today, don’t just stand there with your hands in your pockets – use the power you possess. God grieves when Christians fail to show evidence of His strength. Concentrate on your power, not your problems. The world needs to see the children of God courageously challenging themselves and others to change for the better and choose for the truth.
