Image of God: Power

As a kid, Saturday was the only day I liked to get up early for. Why? Saturday morning cartoons! They were the best! Waking up, getting a bowl of cereal and then heading to the living room to turn on the TV. It was a little more difficult then, because I would have turn the knob to the right channel, mess with the tuning and maybe adjust the rabbit ears. Finally I would curl up on the couch and watch my favorite cartoons. 

One being “He-Man”, when I was allowed to watch it. In every episode, it came to a point when trouble seemed like it was going to defeat them, when He-Man would point his sword to the sky and shout, “by the power of Grey Scull (the castle), I have the power” and all of a sudden he would transform into a superhero. 

He-Man always used his power to help others and defeat evil. This fictional cartoon called out to us kids to desire power and to do good with that power. Like so many cartoons, movies and stories throughout the years, it sought to capture something deep inside of us, a longing for power.

Truthfully, it is because God created us in His image that we have an understanding and capability of wielding power. Power is placed on us from our Creator. We do not summon some temporary power from a castle called “Grey Skull.” No, we have inherent power because of God’s image in us.

Every human being has power, but what they do with it will determine whether it is an use or abuse of said power. The Bible is our source for understanding the Image of God and what it means to have the power of an image bearer. The fullest expression of the Image of God is only found in following Christ and being intimately involved in a local church. 

Acts 4:32–37

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

In this passage, we see the earliest Christians response to the Gospel and the new community they were involved in. 

The Gospel brought an awareness of others importance and need to the community. It is no coincidence that after salvation, their hearts and minds changed from being oblivious to the needs around them, to observant awareness to the needs around them. 

Jesus said the world will know we are His disciples by our love for fellow believers (John 13:35). Love here does not mean just found feelings, it means love in action, care of and community. 

There is nothing better than being in a Christian community that gets it. They love Jesus and they love each other. One of the greatest joys as a youth pastor was when a new student attending youth group for a few weeks came to me and wanted to receive Christ. When I asked him what lead him to this decisions, his response was, “I see this group actually believes what they say they do and they love each other, I want to be a part of this!” 

The Gospel brought the understanding that power is to be used to benefit others. As we read Acts 4, we see those who had much, sold property to help those in need. All of us have power, some have a little and some have a lot, but when we pool our resources, we have more than enough in Christ. 

These two principals, to be observant and aware of other’s needs, and to use our power to benefit others, will produce faith communities that will impact those around us. 

Observant Awareness:

Look at those around you, whether in your home, school, neighborhood, work, or church, who is in need? Can you observe needs? Have you asked about needs?

Power to Benefit Others:

What can you do about that need? 

You may not have a field or valuables to sell, but you do have power given to you by God as an image bearer. Maybe you have a gift to use music, poetry, or mechanical skills. Maybe a letter or note of encouragement. Maybe God will call you to give up something or sell something to give to others.

I’ve been encouraged lately hearing that someone in our church has been giving money to our leadership to hand out anonymously to the recipient. They have just said, “give to someone who may need this or be blessed by this.” They want no credit or no accolades, they just want to bless the community. Praise God for believers like that!

You can be used by God to bless others. Big or small, use your power to bless others.