Teaching the Children: Leadership

Today, a new president will be inaugurated. Whether you agree or disagree with the new administration, you have a responsibility to yourself and your family. Throughout scripture, we read that we are subject to the authorities of this world and that God has allowed them their position (whether or not they believe in Him or do what He says). So long as the government is not instructing us to go against God’s Word, we are to pay taxes and submit to authorities. Morality cannot be legislated any more than common sense can be taught. 

Today, we chose not to watch the festivities, but rather to focus on our Sovereign and doing His will. We do talk about current events and no questions are off-limits. Today, Dietrich summed it up perfectly, “Politics are weird.” He’s not wrong. In light of the current weirdness, I decided to turn to the Supreme Authority for both comfort and guidance.

1. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. Proverb 15:3 (ESV)
2.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Matthew 5:44-47 (ESV)
3. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1 (ESV). This passage goes on to discuss that leaders are not a threat to good conduct. Do what is right in God’s sight and you have nothing to fear from earthly authorities.
4. Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. I Peter 2:13-17 (ESV). 

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel was led into captivity, subject to oppressive rulers, because they failed to keep their promise to God. Yet even in captivity, God took care of those who were faithful to Him. He sent prophets to warn the people to change their ways, repent, and seek Him once more. When they refused, He chose a vile ruler, Nebuchadnezzar to punish them. The Bible calls this wicked king a servant of God. Though he didn’t know it, God allowed the captivity for Israel’s punishment and redemption. He didn’t choose Nebucanezzer because of his character. God loves us and offers salvation because HE is good. Romans 8:28 tells us that “God works all things together for HIS good, for those who HE called, according to HIS purpose.” God is faithful to His promises, both those of reward and those of consequences. 

Today, I focused on my example to my children. How do I show up as a servant of God? How do I respect authority, even when I disagree? What does my own leadership say about me? 

Shanda Sumpter talks about how our attitude, mindset, and messages we tell ourselves are our leadership. When you say you “can’t” do something, CHECK YOUR LEADERSHIP! When you start blaming everyone else, CHECK YOUR LEADERSHIP! When you are ready to quit, CHECK YOUR LEADERSHIP! Before you disrespect this or any other administration, CHECK YOUR LEADERSHIP! Control what you can, advocate for change when necessary, and be the change you want to see in the world.