Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Monday, May 28, 2012

"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care … not lording it over those entrusted to you."¹

Em Griffin, author of The Mind Changers, tells about a good friend from the University of Michigan who went as a medical missionary to Bangladesh. When he arrived on the mission field, he was informed that he couldn't keep his four children with him but that they would have to go away to boarding school. This was the policy of the mission and he didn't have a choice.

He responded, "Sure I have a choice! Our kids need us. Evangelization in the home first, then on the mission field." He then proceeded to raise more money, found a teacher, and established a mission school right on the hospital grounds.

Certainly we need to follow our God-given leaders. However, when they are obviously in the wrong, it is important to confront them in Christian love where necessary, and do what is right. As Peter pointed out, no leader has a right to control (lord it over) anybody else.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please don't let me play God or the role of the Holy Spirit in other people's lives by telling them what they should or shouldn't do, nor by seeking either consciously or unconsciously to control anyone. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NIV).

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