~ Leadership Styles Compared ~
Some years
ago while at lunch with an internationally respected theologian we discussed
various leadership styles within local churches. My friend made a remark which I will never
forget. In essence he said, “Good
pastors lead sheep while some poor pastors think their job is to drive cattle!” There are two major problems with the driving
pastors. First, and foremost, it is not
the Biblical pattern for spiritual leaders.
Second, from a practical standpoint, sheep (and humans) respond to good
leadership but rebel at being driven.
Recently I
had reason to reflect on those remarks again and I realized that these two
leadership methodologies are exemplified by the Spirit of God and on the other
hand by our adversary, the devil.
The Spirit of God Leads! ~ The
Holy Spirit gently leads in many ways (such as in a “still small voice” as seen
in 1 Kings 19:12).
Our Example
~ “Then
Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Luke 4:1).
Our Responsibility
~ “For
as many as are led by the Spirit of God,
these are sons of God. For you did not
receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of
adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father’” (Romans 8:14-15). “If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law” (Galatians
5:18).
Satan Drives! ~ Satan
is a great pretender, he appears to be gently leading but those who follow soon
become controlled and driven by
endless appetites for more—often leading to an addiction (including in so
called “minor” areas).
The Deceiver
~ Satan approaches as a gentle
leader. “For
such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into
apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an
angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).
Speaking to the Pharisees Jesus
said, “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you
want to do. He was a murderer from the
beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in
him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks
from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).
The Reality ~ Satan is constantly trying to enslave. “That they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26).
The
Solution ~ The Apostle Paul showed the way to deal with
the devil’s schemes. Recognize them for
what they are, do not succumb to his tactics, and use them for spiritual
growth. “And
lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a
thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I
be exalted above measure” (2 Corinthians 12:7).
The Tools
~ Fortunately
we have been given all we need to overcome.
“Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil. For we do not
wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to
stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13). “His divine
power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through
the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2
Peter 1:3).
Our Responsibility
~ Be on guard! “Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the
devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing
that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1
Peter 5:8-9). “Therefore submit to
God. Resist the devil and he will flee
from you” (James 4:7).
Our Example
~ “God
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about
doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with
Him” (Acts 10:38).
The Future Final Result
~ “So
the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan,
who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were
cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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