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R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

    Being a leader is a divine appointment that yields a heavy judgement. Those who are in authority have a higher standard put on them because they are responsible for more people. No matter how a person uses their position, it is by the Lord's wisdom that they are where they are. Now think of those who have a leadership position above you. How do you treat them?

    Knowing that leading is more difficult than following and incurs a more weighty judgement from God Himself, how do you regard those in leadership roles? It is easy to pick them apart for their flaws and hate them for their mistakes. Yet this is not what Jesus asks us to do.

    We are told that we should be supporting our leadership teams. We know what a burden it is to bear and we strive to lighten their load. We respect them and follow them. Most importantly, we pray for them. Don't you want your leader to go the right direction? Instead of criticizing them about their decisions, try praying for them and offering them support.

    Next time you want to complain about the President or the pastor of your church, think again. Turn your complaints into prayers before the Lord. When we handle it this way, everyone wins. Trust that Jesus has put people in places of authority for a reason and He also removes them in His time. Lighten everyone's burden by giving it all up to Jesus and respecting His decision.

1 Timothy 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. (NIV)

Hebrews 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. (NIV)



1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. (NIV)

Romans 13:1-2 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. (ESV)

1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (NIV)

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