Wednesday; April 4

As we read the Bible we realize that those of us who have responsibilities to others have an obligation to treat them with honor and respect.  Servants were told, “... be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable.” (I Peter 2:18) and children are reminded, “Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise) ...”.  (Ephesians 6:2)  No matter how we define subservience, those who are accountable to others should do a good job for them.
There is; however, another side to this – one that applies to leaders.  Whether we find ourselves in charge of another person’s financial welfare or their physical, emotional or spiritual development, we must realize that we need to be careful that we don’t overwork or overwhelm them.  By working our employees too hard or treating our children too harshly, we do damage to them, their families and their future.  By requiring too much of them, we steal something from them that they will never be able to recover.  Just because we are workaholics or we hope to teach someone responsibility, we must understand and accept that they have a life away from us.  They are more than our pawns, they are people.
How are we treating those who depend upon us for leadership?  Life is too short for anything less than uplifting and encouraging them.  We set the tone for the lives of those who answer to us – what type of future are we giving them?
Think About It!

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