Earlier this month on the blog, we looked at the realities that come with the promises of God and the danger of compromise.

I want to extend that conversation from personal level to leadership level.

What happens when a leader compromises?

The examples I used in the previous post – Adam and Eve, Esau and Saul – were all leaders in their own right.

Adam and Eve had been given mandate over Eden by God. They were charged with taking care of the garden and everything in it. By virtue of being the first couple in the human race, they also had a pivotal role to play in the wellbeing of humanity.

Esau was the firstborn in his family and culturally, was a leader in that regard. Along with his inheritance as the firstborn, he was also expected to be the one who would primarily take over the responsibilities of his father, Isaac, upon his death. 

Saul was a political leader who ruled over 20 years. He was anointed by Samuel as the first king of Israel. 

The ramifications of their compromise didn’t just affect them as individuals; it affected those under their leadership. 

The fall of Adam and Eve forever changed the course of human history. Sin became deeply ingrained in the human psyche and caused a gaping separation between God and humanity. Without salvation through Jesus, there would be no wholesome recourse for restoration of what was once an ideal, intimate relationship.

Esau lost his birthright which meant he shortchanged all his descendants who were ideally supposed to be recipients of the same. It’s to be noted that there was an overarching word in his family that Jacob, his younger twin brother, would end up serving him. But the manner in which it happened wasn’t necessarily the plan God had in mind. Esau was still accountable for his choices. 

God regretted making Saul king and rejected his leadership. This didn’t result with him immediately vacating the position but David was anointed as the next king soon after marking the handover of that mantle. I think one of the reasons God allowed Saul to remain in power was to give David time to mature in age and leadership so he could take over from Saul. He didn’t have it easy though. His tenure was wrought with trouble till his death. 

When it comes to God’s promises, the stakes are much higher for anyone in leadership because your choices and actions will affect anyone within your sphere of influence. 

Having a leadership position means that your life is no longer just about you; everything you say, do or not has a ripple effect on those under your leadership.

This should give us pause. Not to worry and anxiously fret over every small and big thing. But to continually lean on God’s leading of us as leaders. 

We need to entrust our leadership into God’s hands in prayer daily, interacting with the Holy Spirit as we go about our duties as leaders. 

We also need to pray for those who in turn, lead us. Because more than anyone else, we have an understanding of the weight of the mandate they carry. 

Don’t settle for anything less than what God has promised you. Not just for your sake. But for everyone you represent and serve as a leader.

What promises has God given you as a leader?

What promises has He made concerning those under your leadership?

What alternative promises threaten the pursuit of God’s promise for you and them?

What can you practically do to avoid compromise and encourage those under your leadership to do the same?