Devotion 4: 

Title: Honoring God through Genuine Leadership 

Bible Passage: 1 Peter 5:2-4 (NIV) 

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 

Devotional: The importance of spiritual leaders: The significance of having genuine and righteous spiritual leaders, guiding worship and bringing offerings of righteousness to the Lord. 

Fundamental to our faith is the concept that God is good. Not only is He good, but He is the God of justice, who establishes what is good for all the earth. When we see evil triumph, it can cause us to question the power and goodness of God. That is what was happening to the Hebrew people. They asked if God had redefined what was good because of what they saw happening in the world. God’s messenger will come to bring that justice, but how will we be able to stand at such a time? Do we really want God to establish His justice on the earth? 

In today’s world, the role of spiritual leaders is more critical than ever. They are called to be shepherds of God’s flock, not out of obligation, but with a willing heart. Genuine leaders understand that their purpose is to serve and care for the people entrusted to their care. They do not seek personal gain or control, but they lead by example, guiding others in the ways of righteousness. 

Looking back at the book of Malachi, we see a struggle among the people of Israel. The leaders were marrying individuals who did not worship God, leading to idolatry and unfaithfulness. This compromised their ability to fulfill their roles as spiritual leaders and undermined the unity of the community. Today, we face similar challenges in finding partners who share our faith and values. However, the Bible reminds us of the dangers of being unequally yoked and the importance of shared values in our relationships. 

In our quest for genuine and righteous leaders, we must pray for discernment and seek those who prioritize serving God and His people above all else. These leaders will not only guide us in worship but also inspire us to offer our lives as offerings of righteousness to the Lord. By following their example, we can honor God and contribute to the restoration of unity within our communities. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the spiritual leaders you have placed in our lives. Grant them wisdom, discernment, and a heart to serve you faithfully. Help us recognize and support leaders who exemplify righteousness and guide us in worship. May we offer our lives as offerings of righteousness, honoring you in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen. 

Thought for the day: Genuine and righteous spiritual leaders inspire us to honor God through our words, actions, and relationships. 

 

~ Written by Gene Bennett