The Snares of SuccessSample

The Snares of Success: Part III

In this series we’re discussing some of the snares that can surface when a business leader begins experiencing success. One common snare is power.

As business leaders grow in success, they also tend to grow in power, which can easily corrupt.

Howard Weinstein had the power to create or destroy actresses. He abused his power to force many women to have sex with him in exchange for being famous.

A thirst for power often turns people into oppressors and manipulators.

Ecclesiastes 4:1 teaches, “And behold, I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and power was on the side of their oppressors, but they had no one to comfort them.”

King Solomon had observed the result of power crazed oppressors and how it dramatically impacted the oppressed. He knew power could be a treacherous quality.

Power can be used generously, or it can be abused. Left alone, without others to hold you accountable, power can consume you and your character. Find an accountability partner to help you guard against becoming drunk with power.

Discussion Questions:

1. Think of someone you have seen who is thirsty for power. How have they treated others?
2. How does it feel when you have felt oppressed by others who have some form of power over you?
3. Who do you have in your life that you could ask to hold you accountable when you become obsessed with power?