In order for a group to function and make a positive impact, there must be leadership. God knows far better than we that leadership can be abused. No doubt, that’s why there are so many strong things said to leaders in the Scriptures. God knows that godly leadership is essential. But there is a corollary to that idea. If leadership is essential so is “followership.”
Many of us will lead; all of us will, in some setting, be followers. Humility in leadership is topic number one. Humility must start in leaders and be modeled by them. But then humility in followers is no less essential. And so the Biblical writers call us to humility in our relationships with leaders. In our day when most everyone questions authority, when respect toward those who are older and more experienced is at an all-time low and when public leaders are the objects of ridicule, we need to hear clearly God’s will. Consider three examples:
Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7)
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17)
In these passages are three key ideas: respect, imitation and obedience. Each of these is an expression of humility in our relationship to leaders. To relate to leaders with humility is to show respect, to imitate the good and to do what the leaders are asking you to do (as long, of course, as it is not in conflict with the will of God as you understand it). How are doing?
This is a sensitive topic and if we seek to please God over all else, nothing is out of bounds for obedience. I will pray about this in my life tonight. Thank you for your message!
ReplyDeleteRespect - how all should be treated, not just leaders, but they shouldn't be discluded.
ReplyDeleteImitation - you will be better because of the people in your life as will others as they imitate your strengths.
Obedience - most humble leaders will not expect or command it.
I heard a brother define respect to a bunch of elementary school children. He said "re" is to do again and "spect" means to come into view. Basically, he was telling the kids to look again. To respect someone is to look again and take more things into consideration. Incredible.
ReplyDelete