There is a corruption in the world that is deeper than money. It is the lust for power and control. It is the craving to dominate people, dictate outcomes, and make others serve our ambitions. The Bible warns that we escape “the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4). Lust is not limited to sexual desire. It is any desire that grows beyond God’s boundaries and begins to rule the heart. We see its effects everywhere, including in the fierce struggles for influence that often dominate our national conversations. Christians must refuse to imitate that spirit every day.
Jesus addressed this corruption directly. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… Yet it shall not be so among you” (Matthew 20:25–26). The Kingdom of God measures leadership differently. Greatness is expressed through service, not domination. Authority is a responsibility, not a trophy. Influence is given to bless others, not to inflate our ego. Before accepting any position of leadership, examine your motives honestly. Do you desire the opportunity to serve faithfully, or have you quietly developed an unhealthy need to control people, win every argument, and always have your way?
Whether God calls you into business, ministry, politics, education, or your local community, guard your heart carefully. Ambition is useful when it is surrendered to God, but it becomes destructive when driven by lust. Build your life around purpose, not personal glory. Lead with humility. Listen before speaking. Serve before demanding to be served. Remember that Jesus, who possessed all authority in heaven and on earth, chose to wash His disciples’ feet. The safest hands to receive influence are those that remain open in surrender to God. Never pursue power more passionately than you pursue Christ Himself.
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