Leadership: Duty Or Delight?

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Proverbs 29:2 (ESV)

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

Leadership brings fame. Fame brings followers. Followers bring responsibility. By word and example, leaders become our shepherds and teachers… for good or bad!

  • Cunning politicians covet this role, because it brings them votes, perks, and power.

  • False prophets and preachers market this role, because they want money and power, too.

  • Naughty celebrities ignore this role, because their priorities are mixed up.

  • Wise people accept this role soberly, because they realize it’s not easy.

Thus note God's warning: 'Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly' (James 3:1).

Christian leaders bear the highest standard, because they represent the Son of God!

He said cross-carrying is our duty, and abundant joy will be our delight… but how can these two states fit together?

Psalm 37 is a Master Class on duty and delight’s relationship. 'Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart' (Psalm 37:3-4). Read all of this Psalm for a full report.*

That being said, when Jesus came to Earth, He showed us a new kind of leadership.

As His 21st-century shepherds, should we…

  • Walk the broad path behind famous pastors … because Christ’s narrow path is difficult?

  • Eat tiny bites of sweet, tasty semons… because the uncut Word has some tough chews?

  • Wear a shiny cross hanging from our necks… because we’re not into whips, thorns, and nails?

Our Commander said, 

'The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master' (Matthew 10:24).

'But everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher' (Luke 6:40).

If Christ exemplified self-sacrifice, should Christians exemplify indulgence?

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You’ve been chosen for roles of leadership in Earth’s most influential mission fields: namely, all the stages of media!

Every success will magnify your fame, as you defer the glory to HIS Name… while handing out the fruit of His Spirit.

To prep for this role, study your Captain’s style of leadership, because lost sheep are waiting to be found.

## Leadership: Duty Or Delight (Part 1)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

* Psalm 37, a Master Class on the relationship of duty and delight: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037&version=NIV

Carey Arban