Friedrich Nietzsche’s (from now on, FN) concept is that the thirst for power is the main driving force in humans. According to FN, our need to dominate others motivates our relational behavior and is the extreme expression of Darwin’s theory of evolution: the idea that it is this will to power that is our strongest survival behavior and our greatest chance to survive. Psychologist Paul Tournier agreed, writing, “We are moved without knowing it by an imperious will to power, which brooks no obstacles.” Lord Acton added, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
None of us has seen in our lifetimes such a vivid display of FN’s analysis of the human will to power as we have seen the past two years. Washington, D.C., has been the locus of a unparalleled political power struggle in the history of the U.S. (the days of post-Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson’s presidency may be a close second). Ever since D.J. Trump got elected to office, there has been what could realistically be described as a treasonous coup d’etat to have him removed from office by any and every means (except assassination or military force, which have not been tried). Trump has responded to the assault with what many describe as egregious abuses of power to maintain his grip on power and to exploit it. To counter his abuse of power, there has been one abuse of power after another to orchestrate his removal and undo his policies. Each one ups the ante, which has brought us to the point we are now: a rampant tornado of dozens of players all illustrating FN’s dystopian “prophecy” (Trump, Flynn, Comey, the 9th Federal Court District, Cohen, Manafort, McCabe, Giuliani, Schumer, Pelosi, Warren, Avenatti, AOC, Omar, Harris, Gillibrand, O’Rourke, Booker, and DOZENS of others, both Republican and Democrat).
Chuck Colson wrote, “While power may begin as a means to an end, it soon becomes the end itself. It is power that corrupts, not power that is corrupt. It is like electricity. When properly handled, it provides light and energy; when mishandled it destroys. God has given power to the state to be used to restrain evil and maintain order. It is the use of power, whether for personal gain or for the state’s ordained function, that is at issue.”
The Bible acknowledges man’s will to power and its corrupting drives. The travesty we find ourselves in, I believe, is because we have deserted our connection to righteous power—a recognition of God’s sovereignty and a desire to live in relationship with Him. The result has been a political power-grab to fill the vacuum unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, to the detriment of all of us, no matter with what political party you stand. In their efforts to devour each other (since they all believe they are doing what is right and good for the country), what these politicians are feasting on is us. The country is being ruined, and we are all the worse for it.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chr. 7.14).