Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.
– Galatians 4:17 (NIV)
There are those that crave power. We have all met them. The size of the group doesn’t matter, some people have to be the decision makers. They will weasel their way up the decision-making hierarchy no matter who gets hurt in the process. The only thing that matters is being in control. Not of themselves, because that is not enough . They have to wield the ultimate or final say.
Unfortunately, these people exist in the church as well. I am not saying these people are right with God. In fact, there is a pretty good chance they are not saved, but under some false assumption that their heart is in the right place.
It is imperative that we evaluate more closely those who are given influence over us and over God’s people. Those who crave power and control will stir division, setting one person or one group against another, while at the same time painting themselves as the person best suited to become the leader. We see this everywhere in our culture right now, and we need to work tirelessly to keep such matters from tainting the Church. You need to check your own heart often to make sure you are not that person.
Proper influence is earned not manipulated. Proper influence will grow as you exercise responsibility and execute well. It is those who are weak of character and lazy who need to manipulate influence because the work is too hard for them to earn it the right way. Let us be watchful for those who would gain position or power through means of destruction and discord.