You Rule
3 The God of Israel has spoken; the Rock of Israel has said to me: "One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, 4 is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land." 5 Is not my house like this with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and secure. Will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire? 6 But the godless are all like thorns that are thrown away, for they cannot be picked up with the hand;
(2 Samuel 23:3-6)
What do we expect from our leaders? We might expect them to take charge, take control, be decisive. We might expect them to be what we aren't and do what we can't - to be better than us, on some level. We don't expect them to be perfect. We know they are flawed humans just like us - they might even be us. Accordingly, we know they (and we) will sometimes fail to live up to the standards of their position.
When determining a good leader, it may be helpful to consider who or what rules them. Certainly, all leaders are not people of faith who are striving to live into a calling from God, but even those who are will occasionally be ruled by their sin. Scripture offers us a compelling example in King David—flawed, yet faithful. David was guilty of using his authority to benefit his own selfish desires, but when his sin was pointed out to him he received the criticism with humility and he repented. He turned fully away from his wrongdoing by allowing his heart and mind to be changed by the understanding of his guilt. David still faced consequences from his misdeeds - things can't always be undone - but he was able to once again be ruled by God, thereby continuing
to lead his people well.
Whether we have the responsibility of leading others or we are only responsible for ourselves, it's important to consider who or what rules us. Like David, we too will face moments where our failings confront us. How we respond - with pride or repentance - reveals who truly rules our hearts. If we are disciples of Jesus the Christ then we give authority to the example Jesus set, and we allow Jesus' life to guide our decisions, our words, and our actions. Christ reigns with justice and equity, prioritizing the needs of those who are often voiceless - and so must we. We will sometimes fail to overcome our own selfish desires, but we have the opportunity to repent and humbly place ourselves back under God's authority. May God give us the grace to place our lives fully under His rule, trusting in His justice and mercy to guide our path.
33 Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" 34 Jesus answered, "Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?" 35 Pilate replied, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." 37 Pilate asked him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." (John 18:33-37)
Comments