When you imagine yourself as the possessor of temporary omnipotence, the first thought inevitably turns to the immense responsibility rather than personal gain.

Temporary Omnipotence: A Call to Serve

When you imagine yourself as the possessor of temporary omnipotence, the first thought inevitably turns to the immense responsibility rather than personal gain. It is about using power not for selfish pleasure but to guide the destinies of people in the spirit of justice and care. This stance is based on ancient principles of governance, where power is perceived as both a calling and a duty—one that requires wisely directing and safeguarding all that exists.

Imagining your role as a modern ruler, you may feel a powerful moral impulse to follow in the footsteps of the great figures of the past. Tales of those who consciously forsook easy pleasures for the sake of their people remind us of an unchanging truth: true strength is revealed through self-sacrifice and profound respect for the lives of others. It is precisely this perspective that compels one to remain connected to human values, transforming power into a tool for protecting the weak, maintaining order, and establishing justice in all areas of society.

However, it must be remembered that power without a moral foundation can easily become distorted and turn into tyranny. The temptation to use power for personal ambitions is both dangerous and destructive. That is why, when accepting such a privileged role, one must be capable of making difficult decisions and prepared to bear the consequences, ensuring that every action contributes to the betterment of the world around us.

In summary, possessing temporary omnipotence is a serious test of one’s moral and leadership qualities. It is crucial to remember that the true greatness of power does not lie in imposing one’s will, but in the ability to serve people, using that power for the good of society while never straying from the principle of justice.

What actions would you take if you were granted temporary omnipotence?

If I were granted temporary omnipotence, I would use it not for personal enjoyment but as a duty and an opportunity to steer events toward the common good. First and foremost, I would experience an unwavering sense of responsibility, since power is not so much a privilege as it is an enormous obligation to guide the fate of people and direct their development in the spirit of justice. Inspired by ancient canons of governance—which proclaim, “…and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air…”—I would view my role as a calling to equally instruct, direct, and protect all that exists (source: link txt).

Furthermore, the example of Moses—who renounced easy pleasures and chose to share the fate of his people—seems especially significant. His decision, “refused to be known as the daughter of Pharaoh’s son, and rather preferred to suffer with God’s people…” underscores that power should serve people, not provide fleeting sinful pleasure (source: link txt). This stance teaches that possessing omnipotence should inspire self-sacrifice and a deep respect for the destinies of others.

It is also important to recognize that power can easily morph into tyranny if it is used to impose one’s own “appealing” demands, as in, “I am strong, therefore I deserve to be loved” (source: link txt). Thus, if entrusted with temporary omnipotence, I would strive to maintain a connection with moral and human values, transforming my power into a tool for protecting the weak, establishing justice, and maintaining order.

Finally, contemplating the essence of power as the ability to unfailingly execute one’s will, I would understand that true might is not merely the capacity to change the world, but also the responsibility to courageously make difficult decisions for the benefit of society—much like the decisive moments in history that determined the fate of entire nations (source: link txt)—and realize that every action must be measured, wise, and always directed toward improving the world around us (source: link txt).

Thus, my actions would be directed toward using temporary omnipotence to establish a just order, develop public institutions, and protect every individual, all the while understanding that the true greatness of power lies in serving people and resisting the lure of personal gain.

Supporting citation(s):
"Autonomy is based on a Divine commandment: Gen. 1:26: 'And God said: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them rule...' This commandment not only establishes man’s natural authoritative position but also sets forth the task to 'reign.' It implies not merely enjoying the lawful benefits of power, but governing, enlightening, and 'liturgizing' with all creation before God." (source: link txt)

"As it is written about Moses: he refused to be known as the daughter of Pharaoh’s son and preferred to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy temporary sinful pleasures, considering the dishonor associated with Christ as a far greater treasure than mere wealth. See, Christian, that true knowledge of God leads precisely to a turning away from sin..." (source: link txt)

"Tyranny. – Hence, the demands such as 'I am handsome, therefore you must fear me' or 'I am strong, therefore you must love me' are unwise and tyrannical. Tyranny is the desire to achieve something by means that are unbecoming to that purpose." (source: link txt)

"In essence, power consists of might—in the capacity to unfailingly execute one’s will... Thus, 'the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,' true power, belongs to one God, while earthly power is merely a symbol of God’s omnipotence." (source: link txt)

"In times of mortal danger, only the supreme leader—the foremost figure in the state—could assume such a role; any other appointment would not have been accepted by the people and the army." (source: link txt)