We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.1How fascinating that “the nature and disposition of almost all men ... to exercise unrighteous dominion” has been so thoroughly confirmed.
Most of us probably think we are immune to the “spirit of power” that seems to overtake those who rise to, or are appointed or elected to positions of power; a spirit that oft envelopes even those who merely simulate power scenarios as was illustrated in this video3 presented several years ago; a spirit also described here:
How to Deprogram a Sociopath: A Proposal (Time 39:37)
[Davi Barker: Authoritarian Sociopathy] at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceyvTFr5vtU&feature=youtu.be 2
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.4Two of the great tests in this world, documented déjà vu on déjà vu, are the test of wealth and the test of power, both of which foster and flourish in secret combinations.5
Too bad more of us do not recognize the expressions of power in ourselves and in those we elevate to power, and why most seldom manifest in office what was promised in campaign. If there were more awareness and exposure of the dark "nature and disposition" of power in almost every human heart, maybe more of us would pass the test.
A recommended place to achieve greater awareness: The Powers That Be: Theology for a New Millennium by Walter Wink.
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1. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 121:39 (bold emphasis added)
2. See also at https://www.corbettreport.com/interview-1439-davi-barker-on-authoritarian-sociopathy/ or Davi Barker, Authoritarian Sociopathy (Time 52:19 at https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=davi+barker
3. https://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2014/03/truly-afflicted-with-riches.html
4. New Testament | Ephesians 6:12
5. Book of Mormon | Ether 8:22-23 ~ And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; ... Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be. (Bold emphasis added.)
Book of Mormon | Ether 11:15 ~ And it came to pass that there arose a rebellion among the people, because of that secret combination which was built up to get power and gain; (Bold emphasis added.)
