Godly Leadership - May 1 Readings: Judges 8-9, Luke 19:28–48, Psalm 55:5–11, Proverbs 11:14–15

Links to May 1 Readings: Judges 8-9, Luke 19:28–48, Psalm 55:5–11, Proverbs 11:14–15

The Bible has a lot to say about leadership and all of it is diametrically opposed to the strategies and ideas that are common in our world. Jesus warned about "the rulers of the Gentiles" who would "lord it over" people, and then made it clear that such was not to be the case in the church. Those who lead must serve.

But there are a couple of leadership principles in the story of Gideon in Judges 8:22-27; one positive and one negative. First, on the positive side, the mark of a good leader is that he understands who the real boss is. It is easy for those who hold authority or positions of leadership to get ourselves and our own egos involved too much in the mix.

Gideon had led the people to a great victory and they came to give him credit. In verse 22 they begged him to become their king and to rule over them. It would have been easy for Gideon to accept this ego-boost and set himself up in the role of king. But Gideon did no such thing. He reminded the people who the real king was.

“I will not rule over you, and my son will not rule over you; the Lord will rule over you.”

Gideon was careful not to take credit for what God had done. In fact, it would have been ridiculous for him to do so. What had Gideon done to deserve credit? He obeyed God, but it was God who deserved all the credit. Gideon was no master military strategist; he was simply a man who did what God told him to do. And God used him. 

It was right that he would recognize that he was only there to help people follow God, not to gather a following for himself. A good and godly leader realizes that his task is not to get people to follow him but to lead people towards the true king, God himself. Gideon got it. 

But, he did make one mistake. He requested a token from the plunder (one earring from each soldier) and made for himself a golden ephod - a priestly garment. This act of self-indulgence and personal pride led to trouble down the road. Israel beatified the ephod after Gideon's death and began to worship it. Gideon, who had been so careful to glorify the real king, set in motion the events that led to Israel's sin. 

Here is the principle - make sure that those who are following you do not give you undue honor. It is great to be respected, but if we allow people to give us more credit than we deserve, it can lead to trouble down the road. 

Godly leaders work to keep the focus off themselves and on the King of kings. 

Father, may I never put myself out front, but always shine the light that others may see and glorify you.