Rant on Power (part 3)

What I love about the previous posts bible verse's is the fact that even though these guys had been with Jesus for quite some time, they had missed the point. It gives me some relief in my own life, and allows me to give other people that same grace. I think that the disciples arguing over power is akin to our church leaders jostling for position in the hierarchy of the church. Within the Salvation Army and its autocratic structure, this is made even more appealing to the ambitious officer. Army officers are not paid well, so financial motivation is not a factor in the pursuit of power. Popularity of the masses is rare for an officer, as the Army is almost cultish in its 'secret squirrel business', so the desire for power to be recognised is not a motivating factor. Therefore, officers persue power for powers sake alone (I am saying officers, but it can easily be pastors, priests, bishops etc.) This pursuit of power is particuarly damaging because it is insatiable and only meets its need through the failure or subjugation of a fellow minister. It creates a situation where it is inconvenient to be spiritually motivated. Jesus said at the end of it all that he came to serve, this is certainly a counter cultural thought within the hierarchy of the church. Many observers can be confused by the fact that the Army serves multitudes of marginalised within our communities. I am not talking about that service, but the internal ladder climbing that takes place within the Army. Rather then being satisfied with service, many church leaders want power, to control. The second bible verse show two disciples, even after being rebuked previously, wanting to be the top dogs of the crew. When the other boys heard about this they were annoyed and upset - no doubt because they didn't get in first. But Jesus constantly and consistently teaches the message of service, service, service. We must try hard to follow the example of Jesus here and put down our ambition, regardless of whom it may benefit, and concentrate absolutely on service.