Disrespectful Leadership

I’ve seen people in areas of high leadership simply abuse their position of authority and reveal their own personal agenda in the process. I believe that leadership carries with it extra responsibility and extra expectations. I expect leaders to lead with integrity and honor. There are some people simply born into leadership. Some have been called in to leadership and others don’t want anything to do with being a leader. There are people in leadership who don’t see themselves as leaders, but they actually are because they’re leading people.

Aaron and his sons were given specific instructions about how to lead the people in worship and the implantation of offerings presented before God in the Tabernacle. It seems that on the same day that their ministry in the Tabernacle began, or very close to it, they went outside the boundaries of God’s instructions. Check this out…

1 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke of when he said:

‘“Among those who approach me

    I will be proved holy;

in the sight of all the people

    I will be honored.”’

Aaron remained silent. (Leviticus 10:1-3 NIV)

Aaron’s sons abused their positions of leadership and God took them out. The Lord had spent days laying out the areas of responsibility and specific instructions for their leadership before Him. It seems they ignored all this and decided to “show off” their newfound power. They didn’t seem to have the proper perspective on their position. It was given them by The Lord and He expected respect and honor for His chosen leaders.

I’ve learned a lot about leadership in my life and in my journey….

Some are leaders by default.

Some are leaders by choice.

Some are leaders for power.

Some are leaders for serving.

Some are leaders for honor.

Some are leaders for status.

Some are leaders to make a difference.

I’ve also learned that God loves a leader. He chose leaders to lead in so many areas throughout scripture. He did not like leaders with their own agenda. He chose leaders to put others above themselves. He chose leaders who lay down their own agenda and even their life for the people they were leading. The Lord revealed that He was after a different sort of leader – a servant leader. I believe our country and our culture could use more servant leaders rather than self-serving leaders. I want to lead when called upon by the Lord.

Pressing On!

Dwayne