Subscription Lists
The Way
by Kevin Pauley
I will give you shepherds who are loyal to Me, and they will shepherd you with knowledge and skill. - Jeremiah 3:15 HCSB
We get the leadership we deserve! A nation or a church that does not hold itself to high standards shouldn’t be shocked when the leader that rises among them and is chosen from their number is equally without character.
When we are loyal to Hashem, He personally leads us to green pastures and still waters along the paths of righteousness,[1] and also provides us with leaders who can take us to greatness.[2]
“It takes one to know one,” goes the saying. Those who are themselves disloyal are unable to discern loyalty or disloyalty in others. David’s friend, Hushai, expressed his loyalty to David by staying behind and acting as a spy in David’s rebellious son Absalom’s camp. Because Absalom was disloyal, he was unable to tell where Hushai’s loyalties lay.[3] People who place themselves first and lie about or malign their neighbors can expect only disloyalty in everyone around them.
When we extend loyalty to others through deliberate acts of kindness, we will be rewarded with the loyalty of good people.[4] This is a fundamental, underlying, foundational principle in leadership. Anyone who desires a lasting position of leadership must develop a profound understanding of loyalty.
The wicked may not reciprocate our loyalty but a good leader won’t want them as followers anyway! Wicked behavior is detestable to good leaders because it is through righteousness that true and lasting leadership is established.[5] Actually, a good leader will go out of his or her way to remove the wicked from his team.[6]
Not only will a leader’s loyalty keep him from making many errors, but people will forgive him many of the mistakes the leader may still make if they know he is loyal to them.[7]Aquila forgave his lack, and returned the favor of his zeal with further instruction. Because his primary loyalty was toward God and not his own reputation, Apollos was able to humbly receive the instruction and come out a better man.[8] Apollos eloquently and fervently taught what he knew though he was apparently lacking in knowledge. Priscilla and
Loyalty can be expressed as acts of charity when it is directed towards followers who are struggling with misfortune.[9] However, unless those acts of charity are driven by love, they will not be interpreted as true loyalty.[10]
True love was described by Paul as patient, unselfish kindness. True loving loyalty is most fully expressed when it never ends.[11] This is the very essence of ch’esed and is guaranteed to establish a leader’s position.
The leader that is constantly seeking the “greener grass” rather than the Good Shepherd will end up falling over a cliff. The righteous leader will place Hashem’s kingdom and will first, regardless of where he ends up or what size ministry he is given. Rest assured this type of loyalty will always be rewarded.[12]
[2] Psalm 89:19-20; Jeremiah 3:15
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "The Way" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.