The Desire for Power

I recently viewed a video clip, which had been taken in the Alaskan Kluane Wilderness. It involved a male grizzly bear in combat with a female of the same species. The site of the altercation was a fast-flowing large river, in water to a depth of approximately a metre or two.  The female held her own for a span of 20 minutes, but finally succumbed to the male. Ultimately, it is believed that her death was a result of drowning. 

I’m not a wildlife specialist. However, I question what motivated the fight. She was evidently not a threat to his male supremacy. But perhaps she was protecting her own male offspring. Her Son. Her endurance to stay in the fight for a full 20 minutes alone speaks loudly that she was a formidable foe.  

In our human world we too see much evidence of great damage done when someone’s natural capacity has given them supremacy in their “Bear” world. The media provides us with a constant flow of information illustrating how power and authority go to people’s heads. We see examples of coaches, celebrities and law enforcement that misuse vulnerable “lesser” people. 

In fairness to truth, we all know of many examples of religious leaders partaking of hard-to-fathom atrocities. This includes heathen religions, pagan worship and the like. It also happens in religious groups that are grounded on Spiritual Bible-based beliefs and doctrines. The lust for the benefits associated with power does not attack only weak people. Perhaps, conversely, it will be more likely to affect people in Power.   

In 1866, Katherine Hankey, an evangelist in London, England, penned the hymn, “Tell Me the Old, Old Story” while she was recovering from a serious illness. The fourth verse of this beautiful contribution says,  

Tell me the same old story,  When you have cause to fear  That this world’s empty glory  Is costing me too dear.  Yes, and when that world’s glory  Is dawning on my soul,  Tell me the old, old story:  “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.” 

• Christian Hymnal #280 

So, I would like to pose a challenge to those of you who are leaders. Review the results or consequences of your position in life. Do you have a desire for popularity among your associates of similar status to you? If so, is this not vainglory?Does your list of assets qualify you to condescend to the “young bears”? Are you tempted to destroy the “mother bear” because you have had your integrity questioned by her? 

My daughter reminded me a few days ago what she had been taught as a growing girl, by her mother.  “The truth will always stand.” 

“Tell me the old, old story…when you have cause to fear…”