SCRIPTURE:
“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”
Mathew 23:1-4
OBSERVATION:
Jesus was clear in telling them that the Pharisees were in a position of leadership. The position that they were placed in by God was to be respected. He was not telling them to be rebellious, but was careful in instructing them to be watchful of their actions. While they laid heavy burdens on others, they themselves were unwilling to do anything.
APPLICATION:
When I was much younger, I worked for someone who would often ask a lot of those who worked for her. Under normal circumstances, I would take no issue with it. However, what soon became clear to me and everyone around me, was that she would often ask others to take on extremely difficult tasks that she was unwilling to take on.
As time went on, what became extremely evident was the inconsistency between what she said and did. While we did what she asked because she was in a position of authority, morale around the office was low. We did what we needed to do, but honestly nothing more.
I learned a very valuable leadership lesson that season and it’s one that I still live by to this day:
Never ask someone to do something that you are unwilling to do.
People will listen to what you say, but they will watch what you do. We must be mindful of the inconsistencies between our words and actions, especially when it comes to those we may lead. One of the ways that we can combat this is to do as Jesus did:
“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28
I must seek to serve and not be served. Regardless of the situation, I need to be one that serves.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord when my actions have not matched my words. Thank You Lord for those you have placed around me. May I be one who serves, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
