Definitions

It has been quite some time since I've written, and unfortunately, I won't be taking much time on this note. Lately, God has impressed me with three words. I find all three to be intrinsically connected to each other as it relates to a social experiment called Kingdom Living. The more I think of the work of Christ and the legacy of the Church, I cannot help but see a dynamic exchange in the outworkings concerning these three words. I hope that the notes to follow this will further develop what I'm trying to say.

dig·ni·ty

Pronunciation: \ˈdig-nə-tē\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural dig·ni·ties
Etymology: Middle English dignete, from Anglo-French digneté, from Latin dignitat-, dignitas,dignus
Date: 13th century

1: the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed

pow·er

Pronunciation: \ˈpau̇(-ə)r\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French poer, pouer, from poer to be able, from Vulgar Latin *potēre, alteration of Latin posse — more at potent

Date: 13th century

1 a (1): ability to act or produce an effect (2): ability to get extra-base hits (3): capacity for being acted upon or undergoing an effect b: legal or official authority, capacity, or right
2 a: possession of control, authority, or influence over others b: one having such power ; specifically : a sovereign state c: a controlling group : establishment —often used in the phrase the powers that be darchaic : a force of armed men echiefly dialect : a large number or quantity
3 a: physical might b: mental or moral efficacy c: political control or influence

synonyms power , authority , jurisdiction , control , command , sway , dominion mean the right to govern or rule or determine. power implies possession of ability to wield force, permissive authority, or substantial influence power to mold public opinion. authority implies the granting of power for a specific purpose within specified limits authority to manage her estate. jurisdiction applies to official power exercised within prescribed limits jurisdiction over alcohol and firearms. control stresses the power to direct and restrain control. command implies the power to make arbitrary decisions and compel obedience command. swaysway over the known world. dominion stresses sovereign power or supreme authority dominion over all the animals. suggests the extent or scope of exercised power or influence

cher·ish

Pronunciation: \ˈcher-ish, ˈche-rish\
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English cherisshen, from Anglo-French cheriss-, stem of cherir to cherish, from cher dear, from Latin carus — more at charity
Date: 14th century

1 a: to hold dear : feel or show affection for (cherished her friends) b: to keep or cultivate with care and affection : nurture (cherishes his marriage)
2: to entertain or harbor in the mind deeply and resolutely (cherishes that memory)

Definitions courtesy of Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (online 17 February 2009).