What actions can we take to ensure we honor God in leadership roles? Understanding the Lesson of “PERES” “ ‘PERES’ means that your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:28) • God publicly removed Belshazzar because he used his authority to dishonor the Lord (see Daniel 5:23). • Leadership, like Belshazzar’s kingdom, is never truly ours; it is loaned by God and can be taken back when misused. Recognizing God as Ultimate Authority • Constantly acknowledge His rule over every decision. • Begin and end projects with sincere thanksgiving (1 Samuel 2:30; Colossians 3:23-24). • Refuse to treat any sphere of influence as “my territory.” Cultivating Humility in Leadership • Remember: “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18). • Invite critique; listen more than you speak (James 1:19). • “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5-6). Keeping Worship Pure and Priority • Belshazzar profaned holy vessels—guard your heart from casual attitudes toward holy things. • Schedule personal and corporate worship first, not last. • Shut down anything that mixes worldly glory with God’s glory (Exodus 20:3). Stewardship of Resources and Influence • Track finances, time, and people entrusted to you; treat them as God’s property (Luke 12:48). • Redirect praise upward whenever success comes (Psalm 115:1). Seek God’s Counsel and Accountability • Regularly pray over plans; wait until His peace confirms (Philippians 4:6-7). • Submit budgets, policies, and goals to a circle of godly advisers (Proverbs 15:22). Lead with Justice and Mercy • “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). • Protect the weak, confront oppression, pay fair wages (Isaiah 1:17; James 5:4). Guarding Personal Integrity • Purge hidden sin early—“If anyone cleanses himself… he will be a vessel for honor” (2 Timothy 2:21). • Keep moral, financial, and relational boundaries visible and non-negotiable. Live Ready for God’s Evaluation • “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). • End every day with a brief self-audit: Where did I honor Him? Where did I drift? • Lead in such a way that if the handwriting appeared tonight, you would be found faithful rather than wanting. |
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