June 29 Our Spheres of Influence

(The word “leader,” has been substituted for king.) 

The lips of a leader speak as an oracle, and his mouth should not betray justice. ~Proverbs 16:10 

Leaders detest wrongdoing, for leadership is established through righteousness. Leaders take pleasure in honest lips. They value a person who speaks the truth. A Leader’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise person will appease it. When a Leader’s face brightens, it means life. His favor is like a raincloud in spring. ~Proverbs 16:12-15 

A Leader’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. ~Proverbs 19:12 

When a leader sits in his seat to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eye. ~Proverbs 20:8 

The leader’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. ~Proverbs 21:1 

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. ~Romans 13:1-5

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 

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. ~1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil. Live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the leaders. ~1 Peter 2:16-17

 

Does it seem that, today, you have been given an impossible task? How does one show respect for government when news and social media say so much about those who may deserve none? You may respect the president but not the governor, or vice versa. But both? Is it possible? This question is similar to the dilemma many children face today concerning honoring their parents. How does one show honor to a father or a mother who, by all earthly appearances, don’t deserve any? 

We are tempted to think that, surely, it is different today. It’s easy to find the flaws in our leaders. Just remember, as we have said before, you too are a leader, which means that it is also easy for others to find the flaws in you. It’s easy to accuse the leaders of today of being manipulative, dishonest and power hungry. We’ve made the word “bribe,” more respectable by calling it, “lobbying,” and actually have official jobs held by lobbyists, to make it more official and proper. Have we, as leaders in our own spheres, given new, more respectable titles to those who would influence us wrongly? “Friends” maybe? 

Leaders have power. They can encourage and discourage with their words, and sometimes by their moods. We have the same kind of power in our spheres of influence. We can encourage a project, a person, or dash hopes by what we say or the attitude we choose. 

I think that the point is simply this. It’s easy to complain about our leaders and think that there really isn’t much we can do about them. We can be frustrated with what is going on and feel a sense of hopelessness because we are so small and insignificant in the bigger picture of our church, or our nation, or the world. For the most part, besides our vote, or perhaps if we are brave enough to run for some position, we are probably right in assuming that there isn’t much we can do. 

However, we are leaders in our own right. We are influencers of something or someone. We’ve discussed this before so I don’t want to belabor the point, but if we can examine ourselves by asking these questions of our own leadership, we do have it within our power to be the best in our own little sphere that we can be, home, church, etc. 

Questions to consider:
Do we have something worth saying?
Are we concerned about justice and fairness?
Do we strive to live righteously as God defines righteousness?
Are we honest?
Do we value honest criticism?
Do we use our wisdom to avert calamity?
Do we handle conflict well?
Can we discern evil influences and avoid them?
Do we submit to the Lord, recognizing that He is directing our course? 
Have we placed our hearts under His control?
Do we understand that we are God’s servants for good?
Do we live lives worthy of respect and honor?
Do we recognize that we are free, but that we are not to abuse our freedom, but to use it for the good for others?

May the Lord bless your sphere of influence as you seek to be the best leader you can, for Him. 

Prayer: Father, today I submit myself again to Your leadership. I will overcome the evil one, and his evil influences, by staying close to You in prayer. And Lord I pray for all the people who are leading me in government and other spheres, that they will also look to You for direction and wisdom, and work for the good of the world in which we live. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Song: Gentle Shepherd