“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” These words by the English historian John Emerich Edward Dalberg-Acton have been corroborated countless times throughout history. Ever since sin entered the world, humanity has harbored a desire to dominate others, dictating what they must think and how they must act. This insatiable thirst for power has resulted in unimaginable suffering throughout human history.
The great controversy began with a love for power. Lucifer sought to the rule belonging to God. “For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High’” (Isa. 14:13, 14). But Lucifer did not genuinely desire to be like God in character. He had no desire to be as loving, kind, merciful, and just as God. Instead, he sought only to possess the same power as God. A God with power but devoid of love would be the worst nightmare imaginable.
Two Principles
Lucifer sought to govern the universe through his love for power, whereas God chose to rule through the power of love. Which of these two principles is the better way to govern the universe?
Consider our world. For the most part, it is ruled by a love of power. The tools employed are oppression, force, manipulation, threats, lies, fear, and deception. This is how Satan governs, and this is how all earthly powers under his influence operate. The beasts described in Daniel and Revelation reflect this system of governance. Jesus clearly outlined the consequences of this type of rule: “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. . . . And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (Matt. 24:7-12).
Jesus came to establish a different kind of kingdom—one governed by the power of love, entirely unlike the kingdoms of this world. He declared, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). To His disciples He said: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:25-28)
Love—the Driving Force
Jesus did not come to dominate but to serve and to lay down His life for us. Instead of using force or manipulation, He embodied love and truth. His selfless love is the driving force behind all that He does, and He calls His followers to be guided by the same love—standing apart from a world driven by the pursuit of power.
The power of love fosters trust and harmony.
Reflect deeply on these words from Ellen White:
“The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God’s government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened.”[1]
“It is no part of Christ’s mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, that seek to compel the conscience. Under a pretense of zeal for righteousness, men who are confederate with evil angels bring suffering upon their fellow men, in order to convert them to their ideas of religion; but Christ is ever showing mercy, ever seeking to win by the revealing of His love. He can admit no rival in the soul, nor accept partial service; but He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love. There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appreciate our work or who act contrary to our ideas.”[2]
“Earthly governments prevail by physical force; they maintain their dominion by war; but the founder of the new kingdom is the Prince of Peace. The Holy Spirit represents worldly kingdoms under the symbol of fierce beasts of prey; but Christ is ‘the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’ John 1:29. In His plan of government there is no employment of brute force to compel the conscience.”[3]
This is not merely a theological or philosophical concept—it has very practical implications for how we live our lives. Are we driven by a love for power or by the power of love?
As soon as the love for power takes control, the result is always alienation and disharmony. In contrast, the power of love fosters trust and harmony. This principle applies to every relationship, but it is especially crucial in our marriages, families, and churches.
The love for power destroys marriages and families, while unselfish love builds happy and strong relationships. A church ruled by a love for power is cold, dysfunctional, and repelling. But a church in which the power of love prevails is vibrant, warm, and welcoming.
We all long for joyful, trusting relationships with our families, friends, and church communities. Therefore, let us not ask, “How can I best rule over others?” Instead, let us follow the example of Jesus and ask, “How can I best love others?” This is the only way to experience God’s kingdom in our lives.
[1] Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1898, 1940), p. 22.
[2] Ibid., p. 487.
[3] Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1900, 1941), p. 77.