People Follow Leaders
The masses follow their leaders, and a good leader can have a profound impact on the moral complexion of a nation.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound impact of leadership on the masses, illustrating that people tend to mirror the moral and spiritual state of their leaders. He reflects on biblical examples where the character of kings influenced the worship and behavior of the Israelites, noting that both good and bad leaders shape the direction of their followers. Tozer warns that the current state of Christianity reflects its leaders, urging those in positions of influence to recognize their heavy responsibility and strive for integrity and righteousness. He concludes with a prayer for strength to lead in a way that is worthy of following.
Text
Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. --1 Corinthians 11:1
The history of Israel and Judah points up a truth taught clearly enough by all history, viz., that the masses are or soon will be what their leaders are. The kings set the moral pace for the people....
Whatever sort of man the king turned out to be the people were soon following his leadership. They followed David in the worship of Jehovah, Solomon in the building of the Temple, Jeroboam in the making of a calf and Hezekiah in the restoration of the temple worship.
It is not complimentary to the masses that they are so easily led, but we are not interested in praising or blaming; we are concerned for truth, and the truth is that for better or for worse religious people follow leaders. A good man may change the moral complexion of a whole nation; or a corrupt and worldly clergy may lead a nation into bondage....
Today Christianity in the Western world is what its leaders were in the recent past and is becoming what its present leaders are. The local church soon becomes like its pastor. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 59-60.
"That's a heavy responsibility for any leader to bear, Lord, but it's one I realize we have to carry. That makes moral failure or even carelessness and lax discipline so tragic. Strengthen me in the power of Your Holy Spirit today, that I might be a leader worth following. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Influence of Leaders
- The masses follow their leaders
- History shows this pattern
- Leaders set the moral pace for the people
Key Quotes
“The history of Israel and Judah points up a truth taught clearly enough by all history, viz., that the masses are or soon will be what their leaders are.” — A.W. Tozer
“That's a heavy responsibility for any leader to bear, Lord, but it's one I realize we have to carry.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As a follower of Christ, I must be mindful of the influence I have on others and strive to be a leader worth following.
- I must hold my leaders accountable for their actions and encourage them to live out their faith in a way that inspires others.
- I must take personal responsibility for my own spiritual growth and not rely solely on my leaders for guidance and direction.