Genesis 1:18
“And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.”
God’s creation is a perfect creation, not only in what was created, but how it was created. One part of this great creation is the firmament. The Scriptures teach us that in this firmament, God made “…two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night…” Of course, we understand those two great lights are the sun and the moon. Each have their own importance to the firmament, but God made it clear that they were to be separated for that purpose to “…rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness…” After the powers were separated and at the end of that day God said, “… and God saw that it was good.”
Here in this part of creation, God established the importance of powers and the importance of separated powers. Every business, organization, church or home would operate properly if they understood and followed this principle of separated powers. If these principles were followed, the complaining, squabbling and drama would cease in each place. Let me show you four principles God is teaching about separated powers.
First, there must always be a greater power. God made the “greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night.” There cannot be equal powers for that will never work. Someone ultimately has to be in charge. In every institution God started, He always appointed a greater power. You will never stop the division and strife until you establish who is the greater power.
Second, every power is important to the other power. The moon contributes to the power of the sun just like the sun contributes power to the moon. The purpose of separated powers is not to have each power run rogue, but to contribute to each other so that the work can go forward. Just because one power is lesser doesn’t mean that it is not important. You may not be the one in charge, but your position is just as important to the work as the greater power’s contribution.
Third, no power should ever go unchecked. This is what keeps corruption from happening. When each power is separated and performs their duty, then they keep all the other powers in check. You may be the greater power, but the lesser powers are there to make sure the greater power is not abusing their power. You must never give unchecked power to anyone, for unchecked power always leads to corruption.
Fourth, each power must stay in its own area. For the sake of harmony, you must not allow yourself to use your power in another’s area. Organizations struggle when one power interferes in another’s area. Separation of powers is critical to the operation of an institution. You may be the greater authority in one area, but you must submit to the greater authority in another area. This is what keeps everything working smoothly.
You may wonder how this is applicable to you. Let me remind you that if these principles are applied to your home and life, you will find that undue tension from strife will be avoided. Don’t fight the greater power in your life, but submit to it while performing your duties in your area of power. These principles will keep peace and honesty in every area of life.