Daily Devotional for June 30, 2022

For most of my adult life, I have used a devotional called, “A Guide to Prayer For All Who Seek God.”  It has become the second most important book in my life.  I use it every day.
 
Each week, there is a different theme.  This week’s is Choosing Faithful Leaders.
 
I am especially interested in this topic because I see the lack of effective leadership as the primary cause of suffering in our world.  Everywhere we look, there is an example of leadership gone wrong.
 
In Washington D.C. our politicians have become political prostitutes instead of servant leaders, Vladimir Putin has led Russia into a horrific war, the moral/ethical/criminal leadership failures of Ernst and Young are just now being realized, while ineffective and cowardly leadership in the Uvalde school shooting allowed children to die on the other side of a door, the inability of our leaders to do anything about climate change, the inhumane conditions at our southern border resulting in the worst human smuggling tragedy in our history are just a few of the many leadership failures that have shaped these last few months. 
 
Monday’s reflective reading was from Norman Shawchuck helped me understand leadership in a new way.  This is what he said:
 
“In America we tend to draw a distinction between secular and religious leaders.  However, God never pays much attention to titles of distinction we use to set people apart, perhaps especially regarding leaders.
 
For you see, God views all leaders equally.  There are no distinctions of class with God.  God requires civility, honesty, and fidelity of all leaders.  God wants humane, honest, capable leaders in all places – from the White House to the Cub Scout den.  A leader of a “secular” organization is called by God, and the leader will be accountable to God.  All families and organizations are sacred in God’s eyes.
 
Good leaders aren’t perfect: David messed up; Moses couldn’t speak in public and asked God for a “voice” to speak on his behalf.  Leaders will always possess a variety of leadership skills and styles. The question is: Is this man or woman a good leader or an injurious leader?”
(Norman Shawchuck)
 
Age, gender, education, or the size of a bank account do not make an effective leader.  
 
The greatest leader in history came from a family of carpenters, had little education, and was viewed by the local authorities as an inconvenience to be eliminated.  By his love, teaching, and sacrifice, he changed the world. 
 
Jesus taught and modeled leadership with these words: “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”  (John 13:13-17)

In some aspect of your life, you are a leader.  Follow Jesus’ teaching on leadership and you will make this world a better place.  That’s why you are here.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, give me wisdom to know your will, the resolve to do it, and the strength to see it through.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Today’s a new day.  Make a difference.  Make God proud.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins