Godly Leadership

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV)

Question: Is it better to have leaders that tell us what we want to hear and constantly lean to the whims of the people and popular opinion? Or is it better to have a leader who seeks to do the right thing even if it’s not popular at the moment? Undeniably we do need strong, righteous leadership in every realm of life, whether in the home, school, business, church, or a nation. Truly, in leadership integrity matters.

People are fickle. It’s been said, “You can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you just can’t please all of the people all of the time.”

And so even though we might feel frustrated that we can’t change what the powers in government are doing right now, we can make a difference in our own little sphere of influence. Whether you’re a mom, a ministry leader at church, or a supervisor at work, may you lead with a wonderful combination of two things: diligence and a deep reverence for God, pleasing him. May you fill your role with honor. “Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as unto the Lord, not just unto man” (Colossians 3:23, paraphrased). May you be fair with people; may you be honest; may you be kind.

In the Old Testament, both Daniel and Esther lived in decadent, worldly societies. Yet they chose to honor God and do the next right things. May God raise up many Daniels and Esthers “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14, NKJV).

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Are you a leader? You might not realize it, but your life is affecting others, for better or worse. We as women, do have a God-designed, God-appointed place of influence in this world. It is an honor he has trusted us with. It is a responsibility. He has charged us to be faithful. I believe every Christian should own and read the book Spiritual Leadership, by J. Oswald Sanders. In it he says, “If those who hold influence over others fail to lead toward the spiritual uplands, than surely the path to the lowlands will be well worn. People travel together; no one lives detached and alone.”

One Year Bible Reading

Daniel 11:36–12:13; 1 John 4:1-21; Psalm 123:1-4; Proverbs 29:2-4