8Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute 9Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Both Spiderman and Robinhood defend those who don't/can't defend themselves. Spiderman, one of my favorite super heroes, said, "With Great Power comes great Responsibility".
While there are many facets to positions of leadership & authority, this is one of them. Speaking up for the mute, the widows, the orphans, etc. is a charge to all leaders. If you have a role of influence, will you use that for personal gain, or for the good of others? Jesus charges his followers constantly to intentionally embrace humility; seeking to glorify His name and lift others up to do the same.How do you lead? Do you use your position for good?
Of all the taglines I've heard, "With great power comes great responsibility" is one of the most convicting - and in a manner that leads to action. When I think of how much power to influence I have at my disposal, it actually humbles and terrifies me, and I must fall to my knees and pray that I don't misuse this power. It's a common mistake to think that our actions have very little impact, leading us to act as though it doesn't matter what we do. In reality, even a person of low status (in any area of life) has the power to effect change in their social circle and beyond - through displaying the grace and truth of Christ through everyday living and through calling down the power of God through prayer.
(Spiderman is rife with spiritual metaphors. Here's what I wrote about Spiderman and the Holy Spirit: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=233462009193)
Posted by: Beth S | 03/31/2010 at 02:44 PM
Hey Beth, i'll definitely check out what you wrote. Thanks for the insights...and I agree, it's a pretty convicting/frightening thing to consider the 'power' we have.
Posted by: Dave Goffeney | 03/31/2010 at 05:41 PM
If the link doesn't work, copy/paste the url and delete the end parenthesis. I think Jon Acuff's shameless plugging is rubbing off on me...
Posted by: Beth S | 03/31/2010 at 10:49 PM