I recently read a book called Reality Based Leadership. It is a worthwhile book and I highly recommend it. But, there is a catch. You will discover problems with your leadership. In fact, as I scroll through my highlights and the notes, this book reveals what a lousy leader I have been. Worse yet, it becomes a forecast for the leader I will be unless I make some serious changes. So, I press into 2022 with a renewed commitment. I will, from now on, follow the guidelines and leadership rules so expertly laid out in this book. I will, forever more, try harder. Once I get this right, I will be worthy to lead. Right?
Wrong! There is one major problem with my commentary above; ME. That’s right, I am the problem. While I may be able to fix one or two of my shortcomings, something else will surface. My imperfections will always be part of my leadership. So, how will I ever be worthy to lead?
Clearly, this is a weak parallel to God’s law, but hopefully you see it. Romans 19 reminds us that God created the law so that every man could be held accountable.
“Obviously, the law applies to those to whom it was given, for its purpose is to keep people from having excuses, and to show that the entire world is guilty before God.” Romans 3:19 (NLT)
In other words, we get a set of rules so that we know what is right and what is wrong. But, there is a huge problem: ME! You see, no matter how hard I try, or how many times I commit, there is no way to get it right. I will always screw it up, I will always cross the line. It’s in my nature.
Once we understand this premise of being imperfect, we have another problem accountability. This is the reckoning. The list of every infraction in thought and deed. The Law, therefore, is great at helping us see where we messed up, but it does absolutely nothing to make things right.
No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. Romans 3:20 (NLT)
I don’t know about you, but this is where I begin to feel guilty. Alongside guilt comes the fear of revenge and retribution. Just like my book on leadership, I have nowhere to turn!
This is why God brought us Jesus. To stand in my place. To be accountable for me. He lovingly accepts all the wrongs and mistreatments that I have doled out by standing in my place. He pays all the debts that I have incurred so that I can be presented holy and righteous to God. He and he alone makes me worthy.
Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:24 (NLT)
Justified and worthy. What better way to start a new year?