Have you noticed in today’s world, the majority of our leaders actually kind of suck at their jobs?! I am not saying this to be harsh or mean… but as I’ve observed and studied people for over 20 years – including leaders – I have noticed this fact. Too many so-called “leaders” use their influential positions to get ahead, stay ahead or just control everything. Because of this, you might have a negative view of what their actual role should be!

Even worse, as a Christian you may think being a leader is selfish, and I’m not exactly sure where THAT cockeyed belief started, but many believers think God doesn’t want them to be rich or become a great leader. But the TRUTH is, God wants to see you succeed greatly! In fact, He is seeking to raise up a new breed of leadership right now!

You see, a true leader views their position as more of a shepherd or king. You have a kingdom or flock to manage, protect and grow…. it isn’t about YOU! It’s about helping the ones you’re leading, whether that’s your kids, your coworkers or your friends.

Throughout the Bible there are countless examples of great kings and shepherds, as well as horrible ones. Actually, there are more bad examples than good. And you are hearing this message because God has chosen you to be trained and formed into a great example your “flock” will talk about for generations to come.

“Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every beast of the field and were scattered.” (Ezekiel 34:4-5)

In God’s eyes, the role of a leader is quite different than what most people think! Leaders should care for others, not rule over them.

If people are not cared for or led, they scatter and become easy prey. The last part of that verse says they will become food for every beast. It’s easy to imagine a lost girl, with nowhere to go, ending up on the streets. She has no one to lead, protect and care for her, so she becomes easy prey.

This type of prostitution is not the only form of predator-prey out there. Record labels do this, publishing companies do this, employers do this, pastors do this, brothers and sisters do this, even friends do this. They use people for their own personal gain, telling the people it’s “for your own good.”

Did you know you were anointed by God to lead? He is your boss, your Commander-in-Chief. He has given you people to care for and influence. How you perform as His general or manager or leader, whether in your family or business, determines whether you get promoted or fired.

God lavishes his primary focus and attention on people… we’re VERY important to Him. So He teaches you to lead as He leads. He is giving you an opportunity to be appointed to a higher level of leadership. And for the sheep… well, He has a promise for them: Justice.

Today, I encourage you to hear God’s call and step-up into that role of leadership you were chosen for. Leave me your thoughts below on today’s message and don’t forget to share this among your circle of influence… start using those leadership skills God gave you now!

In great faith,