BUILDERS DEVOTIONAL
DATE: WEDNESDAY, JULY 21ST, 2021
TOPIC: LEADERSHIP AND SACRIFICE
TEXT: John 21:18-19
I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!
LESSONS
While Peter was being prepared for leadership, one major aspect dealt with was his readiness to sacrifice. This is a key component of true leadership. The reward of the sacrifices comes from God. That is why we must know that leadership is an assignment not an opportunity to be prominent or to enjoy life. It is a platform to serve others. Like the master said that son of man came to serve but not to be served which is the same principle he laid open for the disciples in Matt 23:11. Responsibility and authority come together. If we are not ready to be responsible in leadership, what is needed to lead the world will be concealed to us though it belongs to us.
It however requires a sacrificial heart if we will be able to represent the kingdom. There will be several temptations to do otherwise .If someone is in the Political office and chooses to live such a lifestyle, it will be spoken against by many not because they love him but they want to get from him. If you choose to please God than men, you will be rewarded for it.
One of the pain of such sacrifial leadership is lack of appreciation. After you have done all you could, many will not still appreciate it. That is why you must look for reward from God. It takes diligence and looking above for reward to lead selflessly.
Some “selfless” works are not selfless. The leader knows what he wants to gain from such work like contesting for another tenure in office etc. Such works will not be rewarded by God. We look not unto men for reward but God.
There is grace for leadership (Roman 12:6-8).This is what we should ask for so that we can serve acceptably in leadership office either spiritual or secular.
PRAYER ALERT
Nigeria is overdue for sacrificial leaders after the heart of God. We pray that such men are given to us. Amen
Dr Akinlade Isaiah
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