Good Morning Friends,
Church work brings pressure—more than we often expect. Pressure from family, friends, and the work itself can drain our peace, even though we long for the church to be a place of rest. At times it feels like we’re being pulled in every direction. Circumstances and schedules are one thing; people-pressure is another. We feel compelled to respond because someone expects something from us. But how should a Christian leader respond? That leads us to today’s question: What Does It Take To Deal With The Pressure Of Being A Good Leader?
Scripture: Hebrews 13:1–8, andMark 6:14–29
Message: People’s expectations can easily manipulate us. Under pressure, clear thinking becomes difficult, and we may act against our convictions. Today’s Gospel shows how entanglement in human relationships can push us into decisions we never intended to make.Herodias is a picture of the pressure‑pusher—someone who manipulates to get her way. Salome becomes the pressure‑pawn—used by another to apply pressure. And Herod’s guests are pressure‑perpetuators—silent observers whose inaction strengthens the pressure on others. Each role warns us to examine our own hearts:Do we manipulate to get what we want?Do we allow ourselves to be used in someone else’s agenda?Do we stay silent when we should speak the truth?The real question is this: Whom are we trying to please—people or God?The pressure to save face, maintain status, or keep others happy can lead us far from God’s will.
And So, Jesus shows us another way. Many tried to pressure Him—the Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots, crowds—but He never reacted out of fear or expectation. He acted out of love and obedience to His Father. His leadership was rooted not in influence or power but in love—love that resists manipulation, love that seeks truth, love that accomplishes God’s purposes. Without love, leadership becomes a trap. With love, leadership becomes freedom.
Pray that we do not cling to status or possessions as substitutes for God. Pray for hope in a faithful God who meets our needs. Pray to discern the difference between human leadership and God’s way. Pray to do good without trusting in our good deeds. Pray to rely on Christ’s love, without which we can do nothing. Pray to trade something material for something spiritual. Pray to follow Christ’s pattern of leadership and faith. Pray to think well, act fairly, and stay passionate about God’s purpose. Pray to see that worldliness makes sin look normal and righteousness strange. Pray to remember that Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever—and so we must change to follow Him. Pray to choose God’s direction over our own. Pray to unwrap the gift of love that reveals true leadership. Pray to find the calm peace of Christ guiding every breath.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 