What personal actions ensure alignment with God's will for leadership? A Literal Moment That Still Speaks “In one month I dismissed three shepherds. My soul became impatient with them, and their souls also loathed Me.” — Zechariah 11:8 The Lord actually removed three leaders who refused His ways. Their downfall wasn’t random; it flowed from personal choices that clashed with God’s holy standard. What personal actions keep today’s shepherds from meeting the same fate? Personal Actions That Keep a Leader in Step with God • Cultivate daily reverence – Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” – A fresh awe of God’s holiness keeps self-importance out of the driver’s seat. • Guard a servant heart – Matthew 20:26-28: greatness means becoming a servant. – Ask, “How can I lift others today?” rather than “How can others lift me?” • Obey promptly and fully – 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” – Half-obedience cost Saul his crown; it will dismantle modern influence, too. • Stay teachable through Scripture saturation – 2 Timothy 2:15: “Present yourself to God as one approved.” – Regular, careful study keeps opinion from replacing revelation. • Walk in ongoing repentance – Psalm 139:23-24: invite God to search and correct. – Quick confession shuts the door on simmering sin that poisons leadership. • Love the flock genuinely – 1 Peter 5:2-3: shepherd “willingly, as God would have you.” – Genuine affection disarms resentment—the very attitude that destroyed the three shepherds. • Practice transparent accountability – Acts 20:28: “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock.” – A circle of trusted peers exposes blind spots before they harden into rebellion. • Depend on the Spirit, not mere skill – Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” – Spiritual fruit outlasts flashy talent and secures heaven’s endorsement. Why These Actions Matter, Verse by Verse 1. God “dismissed” leaders (Zechariah 11:8) — leadership is a privilege on loan, never a right. 2. His “soul became impatient” — persistent disobedience tries divine patience. 3. “Their souls loathed Me” — when a leader’s heart drifts from God, ministry becomes duty, then detestation. Therefore: keep the heart warm toward Him, and the hands obedient, or the assignment can be lifted. Echoes Across Scripture • John 10:11 — the Good Shepherd lays down His life; selfish shepherds are exposed. • Micah 6:8 — do justice, love mercy, walk humbly: three guardrails for any position of influence. • James 3:1 — teachers incur stricter judgment, underscoring the stakes. • Luke 12:42-48 — faithful stewards are blessed; abusive ones are “cut in pieces.” The principle aligns perfectly with Zechariah 11:8. Putting It into Practice Today 1. Begin every planning session with surrendered prayer and Scripture. 2. Set tangible servant goals (e.g., make three encouraging calls before tackling your own agenda). 3. Schedule monthly accountability check-ins where hard questions are welcomed. 4. Keep a “repentance journal” to record and turn from any attitude that could sour into loathing. 5. Regularly read biographies of Christlike leaders to stay inspired by godly models. Leaders who embrace these actions enjoy the smile of the Chief Shepherd and spare themselves the tragic dismissal recorded in Zechariah 11:8. |
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