Lead to Serve

Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them get out of control, resulting in weakness before their enemies. - Exodus 32:25

As a leader among the people of Israel, Aaron failed.

How? He allowed the people to do what they wanted, gave them the idol they demanded (a golden calf), and worse, ultimately blamed them for his error in order to escape God's punishment. Weak.

Who should a Christian leader be most concerned about offending, the people they lead or the Almighty God they are supposed to follow?

In the ministry of leadership, it is sometimes necessary to offend those you lead (God's flock) in order to remain obedient to God Himself. To surrender to the selfish desires of those being shepherded in order to keep a position or popularity is paramount to a forfeiture of that God-given privilege.

If you lead God's people, you do so for God so that His people might move toward Him. Anything else is offensive to the One who calls. Serve God and love His flock by leading them to serve Him, too.

A true shepherd leads the way. He does not merely point the way. - Leonard Ravenhill