# NEW MERCIES DAILY!
MESSAGE TITLE:
“Power: The True Test Of Character”
DATE: 25/2/25
BY EFFIONG ETOK
Carrier of God’s Word
SCRIPTURE TEXT:
James 3:17 (KJV)
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Power does not merely change a person; it magnifies who the individual truly is.”
MESSAGE
One day, while President Nelson Mandela was dining with his bodyguards at a restaurant, he invited a man to join him at his table. The man, visibly nervous, sat down but never lifted his head throughout the meal. After finishing his food in silence, he quickly left.
One of Mandela’s guards observed, “That man must be really sick. He was trembling the entire time.”
But Mandela, with a knowing smile, responded, “No, he is not sick. That man was one of the prison wardens where I was incarcerated. He tortured me daily. One day, when I begged for water, he urinated on me. Now, as president, he was afraid I would take revenge. But revenge is not part of my character.”
Oh, what a powerful lesson! Mandela’s integrity was not dictated by his position or the temptation to retaliate.
The true test of a man is not in adversity-not when he is poor-but in power!
This echoes the words of Plato: “The measure of a man is what he does with power.”
Who cannot be humble or religious when they are sick, unemployed, or seeking a favor? Many people appear righteous when they are weak, but their true nature is exposed the moment they are elevated.
As a believer, when you are given power-whether in leadership, business, ministry, or even personal relationships-will you uphold godly principles, or will you reveal an evil character?
Titus 2:7-8 exhorts us: “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned.” This means that, both in public and in private, your character must remain unshaken.
True character is revealed not only in hardship but in moments of authority, secrecy, and opportunity. Abraham Lincoln rightly said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
And I add: “Or place him where no one is watching!”
TAKEAWAY
✓ Power is a revealer!
✓ Money is a revealer!
✓ Influence is a revealer!
CALL TO ACTION!
This year, pursue integrity over convenience. Seek righteousness over shortcuts. Let your character remain unshaken, whether in public or private. May you be a light that influences others towards godliness!
PRAYER POINTS
1. O Lord, search my heart and purge me of every hidden iniquity. Let my life be a true reflection of Your character in all areas. Grant me the grace to uphold integrity, no matter the cost, and may I never be found wanting when tested by power, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen!
2. O Lord, let the Holy Spirit take over my life! Strengthen me to uphold godly character and righteousness. As I lift my voice in prayer and prophetic declarations, let Your power manifest in every area of my life, in the name of Jesus. Amen!
3. Oh Lord, let the Red Sea of life open for me, my family, and others this year! I commit the remaining months of the year into Your hands-go before me, make every crooked path straight, and establish Your divine purpose in my life, in Jesus Mighty name. Amen!
