Session 16
How to follow a leader you don’t agree with
From Numbers: A 5-Week Devotional
Why should I listen to him? Who put him in charge? I should be in charge. He’s messing everything up. I would be much better at his job, anyway.
Have you ever felt like that? Maybe you were passed over for a promotion. Maybe you disagree with your parents’ or teachers’ rules. Perhaps you are disappointed with your government officials.
When people don’t do things the way you would, why should you respect them?
We aren’t the first ones to struggle with envy or resent authority. After wandering the desert under Moses and Aaron’s leadership, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On got together and opposed them (Numbers 16:1-3).
The men acted out of anger and jealousy, and it did not go well for them. They and their families died, the 250 men they brought into rebellion with them died, and 14,700 of the people they had stirred up in the community also died. And, at the end of the day, Moses and Aaron remained in charge.
When we allow our emotions to dictate our actions, it does not go well for us either. Having concerns about leadership in our life is not a sin. But how we handle those concerns can be. So, how do we handle our concerns in a God-honoring way?
First, examine your motives. Are you acting out of envy, or is there a legitimate concern that needs to be addressed? Next, seek God’s wisdom in how to handle the situation. Ask Him to guide you toward resolution rather than rebellion. Then, go directly to the person and discuss your concerns with them, rather than inciting a riot.
God has established the authority figures in our lives (Romans 13:1-7). When we rebel against them, we are really rebelling against Him. That’s why it’s so important to examine our feelings, and if we find just cause for concern, handle it in a God-honoring way.
Reflect:
- Is there one authority in your life that you do not like to obey? Why?
- If you have a legitimate concern, what is one step you can take today to handle it in a God-honoring way?