Why do we give our power away so easily?

As a Christian I believe that my strength comes from Jesus; however, I also believe that every interaction and decision we make is an exchange of power and energy (physical, mental, psychological …) whether we realize it or not. The other day, I saw on the news frantic people buying eggs in large quantities. Those people were in a panic; it reflected on their faces. I thought, here we go again. A woman had an entire shopping cart full of cartons of eggs only. I thought, how many eggs can you eat? Today, I heard what a huge egg problem we have, and people are stealing eggs left and right. I thought, long gone are the days of stealing diamonds, now we steal eggs. The news report showed empty shelves, and people coming out the store carrying several large cartons of eggs, hurrying to their vehicles, some of them reflecting their satisfaction on their faces – the “great egg hunt.” These were not nuggets of gold, just eggs.

Don’t let the fearmongers take your power away; don’t let them dictate your next step and hold on to your power. You have power to decide, the power of choice. Would you die if you don’t eat eggs for a while? Of course not. There are other choices for breakfast or recipes. Unless you own a restaurant that specializes in omelets, then there is no need to buy a full shopping cart of eggs. Now, I hear, there is an egg limit imposed. If you are not happy with the price of eggs because they are insanely expensive, then make the decision, don’t include them in your budget and your shopping list for now. Eventually, this all shall pass, and you will be able to enjoy eggs at a reasonable price once more.

Sometimes, we let fear dictate our next step/behavior (any type of fear, even fear of missing out on something). With any decision/interaction you make, you exchange power (your power) for something else. Don’t let fearmongers dictate how you exert your power. Sometimes, the bait is so subtle that we don’t realize we are being pressured into an “unfair power transaction.” Next time you feel the need to run and buy eggs or –fill the blank– because there is not enough to go around for everyone, STOP, take a deep breath, and assess the transaction you are about to step into, and ask yourself, “Am I giving my God-given power away to fear?

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7