Freedom and Power – Sunday, August 04, 1985
Freedom and Power are two of life’s more valuable possessions. To be of greatest value both must accompanied with responsibility. But like anything else, they too can be abused and misused.
In attempting to state the principles and ideals of freedom and power on which to establish a government, the founding fathers of America did so in a master stroke of literary brevity and brilliant political insight. The said simply that governments derive “… their just powers from the consent of the governed.”1 There was no room for the dictatorship of despots; no tolerance for tyrants. If a leader or a government could not gain and maintain the support of the governed, they would be replaced. Later they provided definite procedures whereby this could be accomplished.
The misuse of power and authority is a constant concern in any society.
Unjust use of power can exist not only in politics, but also in every sphere of human activity. Wherever people are together, there is the constant danger of some exercising unrighteous and illegitimate power over others. In government, in business, in social activities, and even in the family, there is the ever present temptation for the strong to impose their will on the weak simply because they have the power to do so.
In the words of scripture, “It is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority…they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.”2
The Lord holds all power in His hands and could thereby exercise whatever dominion He chose over His children. Yet, He has given us the sacred right to choose, the blessing and responsibility of agency, the chance to decide for ourselves. The freedom of His children is more sacred to decide for ourselves. The freedom of His children is more sacred to Him than even their salvation.
“…For this eternal truth is given,” wrote William Clegg, “that God will force no man to heaven.”3
Indeed, God has given us both the power and the freedom to learn, to grow, to develop, to be saved, He leads us only as we choose to let Him.
This model of divine leadership—of power and freedom—ought to inspire us all in our relationship with one another. If we are called to lead in any capacity, we should remember that leadership is a sacred trust, not a personal privilege; that only as we serve those over whom we preside are we worthy of their support.
1 “The Declaration of Independence” in Congress July 4, 1776, para 2
2 Doctrine and Covenants 121:39.
3 William C. Clegg, “Know This, That Every Soul Is Free,” Hymns, The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, 1948.
August 04, 1985
Broadcast Number 2,920