the power of power

Today in the One Year Bible, we read about Paul flexing his Roman muscles. He does this in Acts 21:37-22:16.

Paul's in prison, where he knew he was going to end up. And he tells the guards that he's a Roman citizen, and appeals to Caesar. Which is his right as a Roman citizen. Was he wrong to flex this power? Was he showing off? Well, maybe. But you can see all of the good that comes from it.

God gives us abilities in our lives. He gives us the power to do things. Some of us have great power. And as Spidey's uncle Ben taught us, with great power comes great responsibility.

Can power corrupt? Sure. Does it automatically? No. Power is like fire. If you control it, and keep it in the proper time and place, it warms your home and cooks your food. But if you let it rage out of control, it can destroy everything you own - and even kill you.

So let's pray that God helps us use our power responsibly - to make the world a better place.

God, thanks for giving us power. Help us use it well.