The Double Power Principle

Philosophy professor Thomas V. Morris wrote a wonderful book several years ago titled, Making Sense of It All. In it he wrote about “The Double Power Principle.” Simply put, the principle says: The greater a power anything has for good, the greater the power it also correspondingly has for evil.

For instance, think about the great need we currently have to generate more power which fuels AI. Many believe nuclear power will be the best and most cost-efficient way to do this. At the same time, the main reason our country is currently at war with Iran is because of their current quest to enrich uranium with hopes of creating nuclear weapons of mass destruction.

Think about how this principle applies to money. Clearly material wealth can be used to benefit the poor and be a blessing to others in so many ways. At the same time, money can corrupt people and families and when that happens it can be a real curse.

Finally, think about the power of wine. At the communion table it can spiritually uplift the Christian in powerful ways. However, excess consumption of wine can lead to drunkenness which can lead to all types of destruction.

It strikes me that this is where wisdom comes into play and is of such great value. The wise seem to have a certain expertise in living. They can discern that which is good and healthy, from that which is harmful and destructive.

For this reason, Solomon tells us that wisdom is “more precious than jewels and nothing you desire compares with her” (Proverbs 3:15). And we are told in Colossians 2:3 that in Christ “are hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge.” We should be motivated to deepen our relationship with Christ, for the deeper we go in the relationship, the wiser we will become.

Richard E Simmons III is the founder and Executive Director of The Center for Executive Leadership and a best-selling author.