When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)
If you are a leader, then you understand the temptation that exists to place yourself above the law. After all, you’re the one in charge, so you should be allowed to break the rules if you want and not have to suffer the consequences. This is a natural temptation of leadership. If it weren’t, then God wouldn’t have given specific instructions about it.
While it may be the natural thing to do, the spiritual leader finds himself above no law. In fact, the spiritual leader submits to law as an example for everyone else. Leaders, by definition, set the example for how others should live. If the people see the leader as too good for the law, then they will believe that they are too good for the law, too.
If you are a Christian leader, be careful that you know and adhere to God’s instructions. This was so important to Israel’s kings that they were told to write a personal copy of the law for themselves and to read it every single day. Such a practice would drill into their minds their responsibility to obey the law.
When a leader turns to the right or to the left, so do the people he or she is leading.
If you’re in leadership, lead with character and integrity. Hold fast to Godly principles, and live in a way that is worth imitating.
Father, as a leader, I know that I am held to a high level of accountability. Please help me not to take that for granted. Instead, let me find pleasure in obeying Your instructions so as to bring glory to You. Thank You for the privilege of being in leadership; let me be a leader who is worth following.
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