Leadership: Without Selling Out

You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of those who are in the right.

Exodus 23:8 (ESV)

Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God, there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.

2 Chronicles 19:7 (NIV)

How many leaders rise to their positions without “selling out” to gain leverage?

  • Within government, paid lobbyists and powerful donors fund candidates to “sell” their agendas. Special interests get laws that favor them (but NOT the people they should be serving).

  • Within big business, ingenious artists and brilliant writers create catchy ads to further big sales. Products “sell” by pushing fun fantasies (that DON’T help the people who purchase them).

  • Within entertainment, daring designers and shrewd directors promote celebrities to “sell” their shows. Countless fans (sheep) follow manmade idols (that often AREN’T positive examples).

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

The prophet Isaiah spoke of great sin growing among leaders of His people: 'Your rulers are rebels and companions of thieves; Everyone loves a bribe and chases after rewards. They do not defend the orphan...' (Isaiah 1:23). 

Is this true among some Christian leaders?

As God's rising stars in media’s fields, your mission is to reveal Christ’s vision: the REAL one and NOT a fabrication…

  • The one where leaders refuse to sell out.

  • The one where shepherds don’t mislead their sheep.

  • The one where fishing is not a con game.

  • The one where Christians won’t bite Satan’s bait (much less use it for their personal gain).

  • The one where wealth is not about money.

As you rise on the screens that lead lost sheep, don't copy the ways of wandering stars, who conform to man's image for their gain.

Instead, copy the only Constant Star, Who hung on a rugged Cross for our gain. Let God transform you into His Image.

Therein, never sell out to get ahead, but always buy into THE Star’s true shine: the singular show that promises and delivers a glorious conclusion.

Leadership: Without Selling Out (Part 24)

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!

Carey Arban