Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Power And Responsibility

Focus verses: Ezekiel 34:1-10

Those who aspire to political or social or economic power should read these words with trembling. If you are a leader, you become accountable for the lives of those you lead. In God's hierarchy, those who lead must serve the most.

Servant leadership is almost a lost concept in our day. People aspire to power - political, financial, social or religious - not for the purpose of serving, but for self-aggrandizement. This is contrary to God's purpose for leaders.

When Jesus came, He came to serve, not to be served.

Here God specifically says He will hold the shepherds accountable for the flock.

If you are a teacher, you are accountable to teach only the truth of God with a pure heart and gentle tongue.

If you are a preacher, you are accountable to preach the pure word of God without a spirit of judgment or vengeance.

If you are a political leader, you are accountable to keep all the laws of God and His justice as the core of your laws and justice.

If you are a business owner, you are responsible to behave in godly fashion toward your employees, paying a fair wage for the work they have done for you.

But if any of these leaders climb on the backs of the people and use their positions only to puff themselves up, it will go badly for him in the judgment.

Leadership in any arena brings responsibility more than power. It is the responsibility, and proper execution thereof, that will be the deciding factor when God judges.

Father, God,

Help us to seek, not so much to be served, as to be your servants. Teach us to hear Your voice clearly and inspire our immediate obedience to Your will in all things.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

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