World

Power is best when it is seen least, but is that we perceive?

by BelaynehKassaWubie | June 22, 2010 at 03:00 am

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Jesus was powerful but a servant least in power in His behaviour. Leaders and higher government officials are loved when they exercise their power within the boundary of their authority. But is that what we perceive from leaders and higher government officials? You may say yes when power is seen in developed countries and that means power becomes less and loved through civilization. But what we observe power in developing and underdeveloped countries is something dictatorial. This is most vivid in African countries. The fact that leaders want to distance themselves from the ordinary people creates a culture of power distance and power distance in turn creates a culture of uncertainty avoidance. As people and leaders or higher government officials do not like to interact with each other and do not deal about their fate or how to withstand the uncertain future as people don’t like to take risk. They don’t like to take risk because they don’t know what their leaders are thinking about. Fear of taking risk means no creativity and innovation and, therefore, no return. I feel this is one of the reasons for backwardness, especially for Africans.

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YankeeJim

at 04:47 on June 22nd, 2010

When the intellect of a people can effectively organize to advance the value of individual freedom and worth, then progress can be made toward empowering leaders that will uphold this value. To prevail, people need both a government and economic system that is devoted to individualism and social well-being. People must earn their worth in the world by first caring for themselves and second, developing the ability to do something in a superior manner, better than anyone else. Such constant pursuit will propel people and equip them with power such that their leaders are selected to serve them.

BelaynehKassaWubie

at 05:00 on June 22nd, 2010

Nice comment YankeeJim!

The problem is how to inspire to leaders the beliefs and values of being a servant to their people. When elected, if any, leaders promise to be a best servant but after that they become a master!

YankeeJim

at 05:03 on June 22nd, 2010

Even in democratic societies, power is corruptible. People must equip themselves with safeguards and must work hard to hold onto their freedom and power. It is a never ending and life long struggle.

YankeeJim

at 05:04 on June 22nd, 2010

Leaders who less than inspired to serve the people need to be taken down.

badexperiment

at 07:24 on June 22nd, 2010

I think the Bible's observation makes quite a bit of sense: "Man has dominated man to his injury." -Ecclesiastes 8:9 An honest observation will reveal that the vast majority of man's suffering has been due to human rulership. With all the forms of government man has experimented with, none has provided a satisfactory solution to the most basic and pressing problems that plague us. Why?

"I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step."—Jeremiah 10:23 Yes, we are simply unqualified (in the view of our Creator) to govern ourselves. We need guidance from a source of wisdom far greater than our own. Jesus came to earth as a model of truly effective leadership. He has the will and the capacity to rule man effectively. And, he has proven to be truly concerned about our interests and incorruptible. The Bible speaks of a plan by God to place the administration of all human affairs under his authority. The benefits of such rulership will be everlasting. I look forward to to the complete fulfillment of that promise.