Today’s Reading, Numbers 7
Focal Scripture: Numbers 7:10 “The leaders also presented the dedication gift for the altar when it was anointed. The leaders presented their offerings in front of the altar.”
Leaders must lead by example. These type of leaders understand their role and it is transformative with everyone involved. However, I have seen leaders push others also. I can’t tell you the number of times I have watched people command others into obedience instead of showing the way. I have seen it on the sports field and I have seen it in the church setting. For example, I have witnessed one leader demand complete allegiance and it ended badly. They would bark orders to others. They would also demand obedience and call you a traitor if you would question them.
The funny part about all of this is that nobody really followed them, they just demanded obedience. In today’s scripture reading you clearly see the priests lead by example. They are told what to sacrifice and how to sacrifice. The entire nation could critique and observe if they were being obedient to the Lord. These men understood that to lead meant to be first and show others the proper way.
So what type of leader are you? Are you a leader that demands and rules with an iron fist? Or are you a leader that sets the tone for others around you by examples? I once was around a leader who would claim he was in charge and he was the only one should make decisions. However, this individual would say ministry was important but never spent time doing actual ministry. For instance, he wanted to plan some mission trips to others places but never got it done. Then the mission trip I had planned had to be canceled because he had a bad feeling. He canceled the trip because not because of a bad feeling but because I was leading and the people were responding.
I know I have given a few bad examples today but now let me give you a good one that should be followed. I had the opportunity to be around an individual that refused to ask anyone to do something that they themselves didn’t do personally. They were humble and allowed others to shine. They gave away power and responsibility to others. This person lead not by force but by love.
I challenge you today to lead so others can see the Lord more than yourself. Be a leader that people want to follow, not a leader that leads by fear and intimidation. To be a good leader means being sincere and authentic. You can’t be fake and lead others well.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Numbers 8-10
