Lead~

I vividly remember watching a man yell at his wife that he was her lord and master, and that she needed to submit to him.  He proclaimed that he had read the Bible several times and that he was head over her and she needed to submit to him, and do what he said.  Clearly he failed to go on and read the rest of the passages in Ephesians 5 that he was to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for her.

Similarly, I have watched leadership lord over those under them.  Domineering over those in their charge, and being poor examples to the flock.  Prior to these verses in 1 Peter 5 that talk about this, Peter exhorts the elders to shepherd the flock of God that is among them, to exercise oversight, not because they must, but willingly, as God would have for them, not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering (bullying) over those in their charge, but being examples to the flock. Encouraging them that when the chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory.  My responsibility is to submit to the authority over me, clothing myself with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  We are all to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt us, casting all of our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. We need to be sober-minded and watchful because our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

It sickens me to see people lording over others with no regard to the consequences of their actions...  to themselves, and to those they are lording over (aka bullying).  

Compromising the faith and commands of the Lord to obtain some kind of glory here is not at all what the Scriptures teach.  Wars and fights come from the desires for pleasure that war within.  James tells us that we do not have because we do not ask, or because we ask wrongly to spend it on our own passions.  Friendship with the world is enmity with God.  God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.  At what point do you say enough is enough?  How long do you sit under toxic leadership? 

Lord God, I ask You to intervene and reveal Yourself to leadership who is seeking their own desires above Yours.  Lord, show me where I need to submit, and where I need to stand up for You.  Lead me in Your ways.  Teach me to follow You more closely.  I ask that you make my heart soft for You and strong against the wiles of the devil.  Open blind eyes and infiltrate Your church.  Allow me Lord to fulfill Your calling on my life, to fulfill Your purpose.  May I honor and glorify You and be a light to those around me that they too may glorify You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

For personal reflection:
Are you a leader?  How are you leading?  Parents, what kind of example are you being to your children?  Are you a mentor?  Are the people you are investing in growing, maturing, and developing into good leaders?  Mentoring people on their own?  Pastors, and elders, are you shepherding the flock?  Looking for the best for them?