Introductory Thoughts
People, especially the young or those new in the Lord, have many misconceptions. Leadership serves as a prime example because of a failure to grasp how it truly works. Many people dream of a future time when they will no longer have to submit to any authority. However, everyone has a leader to which he must submit and follow. God designed the home to have a specified order of authority: the children submit to the parents (Ephesians 6:1); the wife submits to her husband (Colossians 3:18); and the husband submits to the Lord (1 Corinthians 11:3). In the country, the citizens are to submit to the government (1 Peter 2:13-14) as the government submits to the Lord (1 Peter 3:22). Everyone is under some authority. Saved people are commanded to follow their Lord (John 8:42); whereas lost people follow their father, the Devil (John 8:44). Everyone answers to someone whether or not they acknowledge that submission.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): King Sauls son Jonathan held command over one thousand soldiers. He was in line to become the next king of Israel, but God chose David instead. Jonathan did not fight against the will of God but graciously submitted (1 Samuel 23:15-17). He even helped and encouraged David many times. What might have happened if Jonathan wanted to be the king regardless of Gods plan?
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(For everyone): Rebellion is often mislabeled as being independent. Everyone must be led by someone else. Who is your leader? Whom are you leading? Are you leading and following in a way that pleases the Lord?
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Under whose authority do you operate? Who lives under your authority? Why is it important that a leader submits to his God-given authority?Under whose authority do you operate? Who lives under your authority? Why is it important that a leader submits to his God-given authority?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to build you into a godly leader.
- Thank the Lord for the godly leaders in your life.
Song
I SURRENDER ALL
