Soulfood

The Misuse of Power or Position

Julie Lowe

My definition – spiritual abuse is using authority to cause unjust harm to a subordinate (beginning exercise)

Julie – it is less important to define it clearly than it is do identify behaviors of abusive persons. Romans 16 – they are serving their own appetites.

While we are right to be suspicious of power, we should not go looking for abuse and be too quick to label others as abusive. And we should always turn the critical eye inwards.

Misuse/abuse is not always premeditated. When behaviors become self-serving they quickly become abusive as people become means to selfish ends. We must all guard our hearts, which are prone to all manner of evil, against using people for our gratification. James 1:14-16 – know my temptations – what entices me? There is an arc to the process of becoming abusive.

Bonhoeffer – As Christians we must take the side of the weak against the strong. We should not be too quick to defend the powerful simply because we admire them. The church must exist for the good of others, not for the individual. The servant leader is okay with being overruled and defers to others. The abusive leader is concerned with his own power and maintaining it.

Aspects of abuse – intent, impact, and behavior. A good definition describes what abuse is, and what it is not. But there aren’t always black and white answers to whether or not a person is abusive. It takes great wisdom to discern between a wrong action in a moment of weakness versus a pattern of action which is intended to manipulate.

A brief definition: The improper, ungodly treatment of others for self-service or personal gain.

A good indication of abuse is whether the person is open to correction, or if he attacks and belittles when approached with criticisms.

Character traits can be hurtful without being abusive. Sinful moments can be forgiven but must be addressed as well, and repentance includes change.

Ezekiel 34 – false shepherds feed themselves, not the sheep. They focus on their own ambition and prestige over the good of the sheep.

Abuse of power is marked by aggression and intimidation. The intent is to produce compliance through fearfulness and coercion. Force and harshness characterize the abuser’s actions and speech.

Abusive persons discard others once they have gotten what they wanted from them.

Servant leaders give freely of their gifts and talents expecting nothing in return. Abusive leaders use their talents for monetary gain and to increase their influence.

1 Tim. 3:1-5 – have nothing to do with abusers! There is grace for abusers – but they forfeit all authority and must push themselves low.

Romans 16:18 – be careful to discern when leaders are serving themselves rather than the Lord. Whose kingdom am I building? If the work I am doing isn’t recognized – if it continues without me – am I still content?

How do I treat the people in front of me? Do I show favoritism and am I dismissive of those who can’t help me further my own aims? Or do I give myself in the moment to my neighbor – the person in my path – without regard to their status or whether I like them/enjoy their company?