Devotion: Accountability
Romans 13:1-3, 16:17-18Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval.I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.
These are difficult and confusing Bible verses for me. But after Pastor Greg’s sermon on Sunday, I was able to see these verses in a new light. Here, Paul is not stating leaders will always be godly; but instead, he is describing the proper and appropriate ideal for a leader. The verses in Chapter 16 further clarify his position about those who may cause division.
Pastor Greg indicated a true leader is one who is accountable. Accountable to those he/she leads, as well as accountable to God. A true leader is one who lifts people up, supports them and loves them, rather than causing divisions and strife. Sometimes we think we are only responsible for ourselves and we really don’t have to think about others. A great leader is also one that works on transforming his/her self to become closer to Christ as well as helping and supporting others to transform their lives.
I am reminded of my past work life. For about 20 years I was a faculty member with responsibilities to do great teaching and great research—to publish and present and to do this on my own. I was accountable to my supervisor but I was solely responsible for my work. It all depended on me.
The last ten years of my work life, I became a department chair. I was still held accountable but it was no longer on my work, but rather, I was judged by the work of my department. It was no longer exclusively my work but the work of the 21 faculty and 5-6 staff that I was accountable for. It meant I had to lift them up, support them, encourage them and work with them so their work was the best that it could be. I was held accountable for supporting, encouraging, leading and caring about them and their work. If their work was found to be lacking, I needed to help the individual transform their work into something better.
Perhaps this is how God wants us to be. Yes, we are accountable as a believer in Christ for doing good work that betters the kingdom of God. Are we also responsible for loving, caring and lifting others up so they can also do good work? Do we give others in our faith community or our work community the pats on the back they deserve? Do we say “Atta boy/girl!” for a job well done? Do we praise others for their good attempts even if it doesn’t lead to success? Do we give others a smile and acknowledge their presence? Do we praise the good behavior of others? Do we celebrate with others when they have a proud moment?
Christian leaders should be constantly growing in Christ, continually learning more and more about their faith and how to continually mature as a Christian. They should work toward helping others grow and develop so they can serve as leaders. They should be in the business of transformation—their transformation and the transformation of others.
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to grow as a Christian leader. Let me not only continue to learn more about you but let me help others learn more and grow into Christian maturity. Let me be a beacon of light to others, a light that cares, loves, uplifts, gives praise and help to all I interact with. In your holy and precious name, Amen.
Written by Julie Johnson