Our God is Strong and Loving: A Model of What True Leadership Should Look Like
Devotional Contributor: Al Schierbaum
Scripture:
Psalm 62:11-12 “Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power (strength) belongs to God, and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.”
Observation:
Can power and love mix? Many leaders abuse their power and use it for selfish gain, but God’s uses His power for good by blending His power with love. If God’s strength was not balanced by His love we would all be in trouble. The verse above is about the evaluation of a persons’ life and, David the Psalmist, is counting on his strong yet loving God to perfectly weigh each life. God’s strength could wipe everything out in the blink of an eye. Comparing the power of a tornado, hurricane, or volcano to God is like comparing the power of an ant to a large locomotive speeding down the track at 100mph. There is no comparison! While we do not possess the power/strength of God, we do possess power over others in our life. Without love we could crush a child, abuse a spouse, terminate an employee at our whim, or crush someone’s dreams. We can also own things that make us more powerful than others, like a gun, money, or a job title. Power is dangerous without love. Jesus blows me away, in that He is infinite in power, yet I can rest in his loving arms. Likewise, if we are reflecting the love and power of God, the people whom we have power over should also be able to rest in our presence.
Application:
As leaders we should reflect both power and love. We must be careful to not allow the leadership culture of this world shape the way we lead. Might makes right, survival of the fittest, get all you can, are the leadership mantra’s that dominate our day. But Jesus says, “not so with you,” (Matthew 20:24-28). Our leadership should be grounded in strength and love of Christ.
If we are to be imitators of God then our leadership should be characterized by strength and love. I have noticed that many leaders naturally bend toward the strong side or loving side of leading people. The strong side leaning leaders are authoritative, decisive, action oriented, and focused. When a strong leader mixes his/her leadership with pride or fear, they can come across as cold, uncaring, rigid, overly demanding, and insensitive. Pride and fear can overshadow good strong decisive leadership and leave a wake of carnage along the way. Strong leaders need to seek out people in their life, like a life coach, business partner, mentor that will help them see the more caring and encouraging side of leadership.
Other leaders naturally bend toward the loving side of leading people; they are caring, nurturing, positive, and encouraging. When a loving leader mixes their power and influence with pride or fear the can be emotionally abusive, manipulative, and revengeful. Like the strong leaders they need to lay their motivations before the Lord. They also should have strong people to provide counsel and support so that they will have the courage to make tough decisions about themselves and others.
Request:
Dear God, I praise You for being strong and loving. I praise You, the King of the Universe, for unconditionally loving me. Bless me to always use the power and influence you have given me to bless others. Amen!