The book chapter self-serving, irresponsible leaders won’t read

BY Tope Banso
DON’T BE A SELFISH LEADER
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” (Ezekiel 34:2 New King James Version)
Ezekiel 34 is a chapter of the Bible that selfish, self-serving and irresponsible leaders won’t like to read, because it has bad news for them. It is a chapter that deals with the sins of irresponsible political leadership in Israel. But it could also apply to both political and spiritual leaders today.
The word of the LORD came to Ezekiel asking him to prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, indicting them of selfish, self-serving and ungodly leadership. They took good care of themselves, but neglected the people.
Leadership is not about self, but about the people God has put under you. But these leaders believed that the people existed for them, to make their lives better. They abused their offices, starved the people, neglected them and failed to look after their welfare.
Everyone in a leadership position in the family, church or in the society must avoid being self-serving. The leadership style that Jesus modeled and taught was servant-leadership. He said whoever wanted to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else (Mark 9:35).
Similarly, in Mark 10:44, He said whosoever wanted to be first among His disciples must be the servant of all. In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and told them to also wash one another’s feet. In other words, they should serve each other.
Don’t merely love leadership positions; be ready to serve. Leadership is not for personal aggrandizement, self-enrichment or pursuit of selfish goals. God will not spare selfish, self-serving and irresponsible leaders (Ezekiel 34:10).
Repent! “Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds” (Proverbs 27:23 New Living Translation). May the LORD find you faithful.
PRAYER POINT: Father, forgive me of any way I have been selfish, self-serving or irresponsible in my leadership. Henceforth, I shall not abuse my leadership position. Please discipline and help me, by Your Spirit, to fulfil my mandate in this direction.
This is wisdom for living, and it’s worth sharing. Please share.
(For more inspiring messages, visit: www.cedarministry.org).
▪ Banso, is based in Abuja and runs the
Cedar Ministry International. He can be reached at cedarministryintl@yahoo.com, cedarministryng@gmail.com
Tel No: +2348155744752, +2348033113523
WhatsApp No: +2349081295947