I recall a Forbes article from a few years ago listing the top 10 most corrupt leaders of all time. Big surprise, all 10 were politicians—presidents of their respective countries.
While no U.S. presidents made the list, it was easy to find a list of America’s top 10 most corrupt business leaders. More than a few were involved in politics in some way. Their corruption generally centered on fraudulent accounting and reporting activities while they enjoyed the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Their corruption resulted in failed companies and unemployed workers left without their retirement funds.
God’s Judgment
God holds leaders responsible for their actions in a very special way. When God was getting ready to judge the nation of Israel for their sin, He commanded Jeremiah to prophesy to them (Jeremiah 25:30-38). God used some very graphic language describing Himself and what would happen to the nations of the world, including the Israelites. Five of the six graphic images of God’s judgment are directed at the people in general. But God calls out leaders in particular in the sixth illustration of His wrath:
Judgment for doomed leaders would be like being chased by wild lions with nowhere to hide.
Leaders, in God’s economy, bear a special heightened level of responsibility and accountability for their leadership.
God’s Warning
Today, as in Jeremiah’s time, many men want to become leaders for the power and prestige that comes with the mantle of leadership without much regard for the responsibility and accountability that goes with such a position.
Listen now to God’s words directed to the evil leaders of Jeremiah’s time:
“Weep and wail, you shepherds; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For your time to be slaughtered has come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery. The shepherds will have nowhere to flee, the leaders of the flock no place to escape. Hear the cry of the shepherds, the wailing of the leaders of the flock, for the LORD is destroying their pasture. The peaceful meadows will be laid waste because of the fierce anger of the LORD. Like a lion he will leave his lair, and their land will become desolate because of the sword of the oppressor and because of the LORD’s fierce anger.” Jeremiah 25:34-38 (NIV)
These leaders could weep and mourn all they wanted, but God’s judgment was coming. They would be slaughtered with nowhere to flee to safety. Even their possessions were to be destroyed.
Why did God single out leaders? Because these leaders had led God’s people away from God. They were priests, rulers, judges, and prophets who all played a part in pushing God out of people’s lives to the point that they had rejected God and begun to worship false gods.
Leader’s Responsibility
You and I may not be priests, rulers, judges, or prophets (although some of you may be). However, if God has given you the privilege of leading, then along with that privilege comes the added responsibility and accountability to God for the care of his people.
Make no mistake; God is jealous for His people. Jesus, teaching the disciples, gave this warning,
“But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me—it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!” Matthew 18:6 (HCSB)
So take care, leaders. Whether leading little children in the family or a classroom or leading great companies or even nations, God expects us to take great care to lead in such a way that we care for His children.
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. For instance, do you know of leaders who have led God’s people astray? Does knowing how God feels about the responsibility of leadership give you pause?
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because people like you share it with friends. Would you kindly share it by pressing one of the share buttons below?
Category: Relationships | Exhortation
Ron- your post is a great reminder that leadership is a privilege, and we owe it to those we lead to constantly make decisions that are ethical and in their best interests. Thanks!
I believe that all Christians are technically leaders. We are representatives of God because we are living examples of people whose life was changed because of Christ. I have noticed in my life that many of my friends believed in Christian values such as to show others kindness, forgiveness, faith, and to follow the Golden Rule even though they were not Christian while “real” Christians do not follow these values at all. It is also disconcerting to go to a Christian school that preaches to love the nations and to live in community when many students are quick to judge and disgust is evident towards those with different sexual orientations. It is almost ridiculous to see that Non-Christians who came to APU were often ostracized by other students because they did not have the same faith orientation. Many of these students felt like they did not belong and had transferred. I thought that Jesus taught his disciples to love one another and to leave the ninety nine sheep to find the lost one. This was the dilemma I faced when I decided to go to APU. I noticed that my aunt’s family was religious because they had pictures of Jesus all over their house, prayed before meals, and were involved in the church. However, the way they treated others outside of their Sunday church family was completely different. They would lie and use relatives as a means to an end. Even in high school when I first became a Christian, I noticed the youth group at church were completely different people in school than in church. In church, they seemed like perfect Christians but at school, they would steal, cheat, and backstab friends. I was conflicted about following Christ because the Christians around me seemed to all be liars as they would say one thing and do another. Christians do not realize that they have the power to turn people towards and away from Christ depending on how they live their life.
Sadly Ariel, the situation you described is all too common. As fallible humans we are all weak and subject to many sinful ways, but when Christians set themselves up as “holier than thou” role models our hypocrisy is on display for the whole world to see.
I had never put much thought into how God would deal with corrupt leaders, But it is easy to see leaders in today’s society who would be considered bad and maybe even corrupt. It is however interesting to learn the added responsibility and accountability God places on leaders. If I were to think of myself as a leader it would make me a bit hesitant to step up. However, I think as long as God remains the center of your heart, actions, and intentions, doing right will come naturally. I think a big difference pointed out by this post was that leaders punished by God, had lead people away from God. But the reverse is true that as leaders and followers of Christ we should lead people to God and His word. Even daily through showing the love and compassion God has for us to others.
I am an avid viewer of the show House of Cards, centered on a shrewd politician who will do whatever it takes to be the reigning power. He uses corrupt means to rise through the ranks: deception, manipulation, illegal schemes and deals, and even in some cases murder. While this may be a fictitious character, there are definitely traits of this man that are evident in our current political, business, and religious realities. These types of people are Godless, with low ethics or regard for issues of morality. I believe human’s “power” on earth is an illusion, and that those in leadership roles are still servants. Leaders should turn to God to receive wisdom, and that wisdom should shine through while leading ones citizens, employees, or members. I agree that being a leader comes with accountability and it is a blessing from God to be given that responsibility. A true person of God should be evident not in how they speak but their actions, and I believe that is exemplified by how we treat other people. I know that regardless of my position professionally God has a calling for every one of us to treat the other with respect, love, and kindness. “Power” is simply greater influence as an example for others to follow, and I pray that others can see God’s love in me through my leadership.
Great article.
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog?
My website is in the very same area of interest as yours and
my visitors would really benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this alright with you. Many thanks!
Yes, as long as credit is given, you may quote short sections.
[…] #112: A Warning of Judgment from God for all Wannabe Leaders […]