Our political world is crying out for a genuine leader. Before I go any farther, it is important for me to define what I mean by a “genuine leader”
What makes up a genuine leader for our local, state and national governments? I believe a genuine leader is someone who will seek to follow the Lord's will in every decision that he makes; someone who will ALWAYS put his personal interests second to the interest of those he is leading; someone who will attempt to work for our peace while not sacrificing our security in the process; and finally, someone who seeks our prosperity, not leading us to take advantage of others, but by leading us to prosper through honesty, quality, innovation and productivity. (I'm sure we could all add several other qualities to this list... but I think you “get my drift”!)
Sounds like a pipe dream doesn't it? Do these type of leaders exist in our world today? To be honest, I believe they probably do... but they are few and far between. Many of the most sincere, well meaning candidates become corrupt once they take positions of authority over us.
Why do they turn corrupt? It seems as if our political system is bent in favor of corruption and abuse of power. Many believe, it is impossible to succeed in our political atmosphere without compromising the Scriptural values our society was founded upon. I am fearful that the only way to restore genuine leaders to power is an entire overhaul of our political system. It will take an absolute miracle of God for this to take place. We need to be constant prayer for our country.
In our blog study for today, I would like us to look at our Spiritual Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the example He has set for our leaders to follow.
THE SCRIPTURES:
1Pet 2:21-25 (KJV)
21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:
24) Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
THE STUDY:
In our text, 1 Peter 2:21-25, we have the characteristics of Godly leaders being exemplified in the life of Christ...
Leadership Principle #1 – A Godly Leader never asks his followers to do anything he, himself, is not willing to do...
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us”
Christ has called His followers to be willing to make sacrifices, and perhaps, even suffer for Him. He was willing to do the same for His followers. (Luke 9:23-25)
Leadership Principle #2- A Godly Leader sets the example for his followers...
“leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”
Christ has set the perfect example for his followers. Touching every area of our lives, He set a blameless example to which we are to conform. (1 John 2:6)
Leadership Principle #3 – A Godly Leader lives a holy life before God...
”Who did no sin,”
Although He was God, Christ was also the only sinless man to ever live on the earth. His desire was to do the will of His heavenly Father “always”. (John 8:29)
Leadership Principle #4 – A Godly Leader speaks honestly and openly...
“neither was guile found in his mouth:”
Guile is “deceit” or “the hiding of truth”. A Godly leader is always honest and open with his followers. He doesn't attempt to “spin” a subject or speak half truths to his people. (John 1:47)
Leadership Principle #5 – A Godly Leader is not filled with revenge or obsesses on “getting even”...
“Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not”
Despite his personal loss of reputation and respect, Christ accepted false accusations and abuse knowing that his followers would benefit from His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. (Hebs 12:3)
Leadership Principle #6 – A Godly Leader, when falsely accused, trusts in God to bring the truth to light and to grant Him future eternal rewards...
“but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously:”
Jesus, when he was falsely accused, knew that in the end, His Father would justify His actions and exalt Him to an honored position of authority. All because He was faithful to His God. (Jer 11:20, Rom 12:19)
Leadership Principle #7 – A Godly Leader, is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of His followers...
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:”
Our Lord Jesus was willing to bear our sins and give His life on the cross, all so that we might receive forgiveness, adoption and an eternal existence with Him. (Gal 1:14, Titus 2:14)
Leadership Principle #8 – A Godly Leader, understands and works to meet the needs of his followers...
“by whose stripes ye were healed.”
The Lord understood our spiritual needs and then proceeded to work to meet those needs through His death on the cross. It is only through the sacrifice of Christ that we can find true healing from our sins. (Luke 4:18)
Leadership Principle #9 – A Godly Leader will not always be recognized for his accomplishments on behalf of the people...
“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned”
Throughout mankind's sinful existence on earth, many have ignored, or rejected, his works on their behalf. But there was always a remnant that did come to a knowledge and appreciation of what he had accomplished on their behalf. ( John 5:39-41, Rom 11:5)
Leadership Principle #10 – A Godly Leader will always concentrate on leading, feeding and protecting his followers...
“unto the Shepherd “
The three great roles of a shepherd are to lead, feed, and protect his flock. These are the three great roles of a Godly leader as well. By leading his followers, he is setting the right example and simply asking his flock to follow in his steps. By feeding them, he is making sure they are having their needs (both physical and spiritual) met. By protecting them, he is making sure that his people are kept safe from the hands of their enemies both within and without.
If a leader supplies these for his people, he is judged, by God, to be a success. (John 10:11-16, Hebs 13:20-21)
Leadership Principle #11 – A Godly Leader will understand, and willingly accept the great responsibility related to the office he is holding or is desiring to hold...
“and Bishop of your souls.”
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
For those who are saved…
For those who have never received His gracious salvation into our lives…
If you have any questions about your condition or the salvation that the Lord so graciously offers, you can look to several sources for further information: A local Bible-teaching church in your area, or you are welcome to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com, or you can refer to my blog page entitled “How to have a relationship with God” for more teachings on the subject of salvation.
May the Lord bless you as you seek His truth.
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To see this lesson taught on video please go to my Video Blog at http://www.youtube.com/settledinheaven
If you have any questions concerning this blog, or if you have a subject you would like discussed, please feel free to email me at settledinheaven@gmail.com. I will answer all emails via my blog, email, or both.
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May the Lord bless your study of His Word. Like God’s Word… may your soul’s salvation and your life’s
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