Effective leaders do their best to produce and facilitate systems that work together. Read Matthew 12:22-32.

As Jesus continued to demonstrate supernatural power, He healed a man who was demon-possessed, blind and mute. When the religious leaders heard of what had been done they accused Jesus of being a devil to have the power to cast out a devil. Jesus’ comment to this accusation was that “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand” (v. 25). Expanded only slightly, any kingdom or organization, or business, or church or family divided against itself will fall. This is true because all the various parts of an organization affect each other.

Leaders violate a basic principle of God-established fairness when they use their power and influence to allow or practice injustice within their team. Read Amos 5:7-17.

Amos is sometimes called the angry prophet. Often his words had an edge and expressed heated emotion. In chapter five he condemns leaders who fail to provide justice for the people of Israel. The leaders had abandoned morality, taxed the poor for personal gain, took bribes, deprived the people of justice in the courts, and they were so blinded by their own power they didn’t even see their own corruption. The Bible repeatedly states that God hates injustice, especially among leaders who have the power and influence to model it for, and make it a common practice among, all the people.

There is only one leader with absolute power and influence. Read Daniel 7:9-14.

Daniel had a dream that was a revelation from God concerning future events. The vision underscores the temporary nature of human power and earthly kingdoms. In verses 13 and 14 when “One like the Son of Man” was given “…authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Daniel received a revelation that the One True God has authority over nature and nations. He is able to change time and seasons, He establishes one king and deposes another. He saw that God’s power and influence are absolute.

Leaders are stewards of God’s resources including power and influence. Read Daniel 4:34-37.

God had used the king of Babylon and his armies to bring judgment on several nations including Judah. God gave the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar so much power and authority that he was known as the most powerful man in the world. When Nebuchadnezzar determined in his heart that he had generated his power from his own wisdom and strength, God humbled him with seven years of insanity where he lost all power and influence; he went from living in a palace that was one of the Seven Wonders of the World to being homeless and even ate grass with the animals. When Nebuchadnezzar humbled himself and acknowledged that God was the sovereign of the universe and his source of power and influence, God restored him to his position of authority.

In God’s economy, Christian leaders bear a special responsibility and accountability. Read Jeremiah 25:33-38.

God’s words delivered through the prophet Jeremiah paint a terrible picture of God’s wrath against the national and religious leaders of the nation of Judah. God will judge the guilty but reserves a special fury for corrupt leaders. Just as in ancient Judah, Christian leaders today will still be held accountable by God for how they use their gifts to administer the trust of leadership He has given to them.