“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

~ Abraham Lincoln

Once again Honest Abe shows his wisdom. Power, the ability to do or act, can be a dangerous commodity, particularly in a church congregation. I have observed many times over the years how people gravitate to little pockets of power within the church. There is something attractive about a prominent office that empowers its holder to exert control over others. These little territories — Sunday school, worship, elders board, even maintaining the building — are often jealously guarded and ruthlessly administered.

Lincoln is right. A position of power is a great revealer of character. Anyone who occupies such positions in the church must do their work as Jesus demonstrated: with a basin and towel, kneeling at the feet of the people.