Today’s Reading, Exodus 4-6
Focal Scripture: Exodus 5:9 “Impose heavier work on the men. Then they will be occupied with it and not pay attention to deceptive words.””
Challenges are necessary for growth for a leader. Challenges are also necessary to see what type of leader you truly are to other people. I once witnessed a leader experience hardship that would break most people. However, instead of becoming bitter, angry and hostile this leader leaned into the Lord completely. The challenges they faced revealed just how close they were to the Lord. Every decision and reaction was full of grace. Every single person they encountered was treated with respect, even when it wasn’t warranted. I got to see the heart of a true leader. A heart of a leader who cared about people and cared about showing people the fruit of the Spirit.
In today’s reading Moses tells Pharaoh to let the people go, this way they could worship and honor God. Unfortunately, Pharaoh became enraged and punished the Israelites for making such a request. He believed they had too much time on their hands. He believed their request needed to be punished. Pharaoh wanted to work them harder and give them less resources. He also wanted to show them that he was a leader who gave instruction, he didn’t receive instruction.
I don’t know if you have ever been around a bad leader but they all have the same personality and character flaws. They believe their way is the only way to do things. They also believe you do what you’re told and never ask questions. These same leaders act like they care but in reality they use people to achieve their ultimate goal. Events and growth may happen at a major rate but the foundation is built on a damaged heart. Bad leaders know how to build a coalition but it revolves around obedience not true leadership.
What the story about Pharaoh reveals, is that you can be in a position of leadership and be successful. It doesn’t mean that you have the hearts of the people though. It also doesn’t mean you lead in a way that pleases the Lord. Leaders with evil hearts don’t listen to others. They also demand loyalty. A leader who doesn’t listen to the people is no leader at all. The leader who wants to crush others, who act and think different, are cowardly and spiteful. They have hearts full of callousness and evil.
My challenge to you today is to find out what type of leader you are at home, work, and church. Do you have to push the people or do they follow? Does your heart love everyone? Even the person who doesn’t do what you say? If not you’re not a leader, you’re a dictator who wants to punish those you can’t control. You’re just like pharaoh who wants to punish people for being who God created them to be in this world.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Exodus 7-9
