The other day I was talking with a friend who asked, “In heaven, do you think we’ll care enough to ask God: ‘Why did So-and-So thrive on earth when You know they mistreated people and seemed so full of pride?’”
Hmmm, good question. Maybe you know someone like that who runs a business. But especially if they serve a ministry, their successes can be really surprising, even frustrating, because of what you know. “Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?” (Ps. 10)
Then I thought, “If people even care about these things in heaven, how many would be asking God about me?”
It was a comfort to me to think that in heaven, in the presence of Almighty God, all these kinds of questions will melt away. They just won’t matter anymore.
Are you bothered by leaders who don’t seem to try to lead like Jesus? Are you curious about how others perceive you as a leader?
Jim, Kathy and “Men” — Thank you for your replies. You demonstrate the range of thoughts I’ve been through on this topic, including surprise, frustration and conviction. I’m grateful to hear your thoughts.
Honestly, I don’t think we’ll care about this question after this life. Yes, I have extremely conflicting feelings about leaders who espouse any example other than Christ’s humble & loving way.
However, sin is sin. Isn’t it funny how angry we get at others when their sin differs from ours only in deed? I don’t believe God differentiates as we do. All sin is a deliberate, rebellious, conscious separation from God whether by leaders or followers. It’s all the same to God. We’re all supposed to be following Christ in humility.
After realizing many years ago that I wasn’t the Holy Spirit, it became much easier to allow the Holy Spirit to work in my own life and others’ lives as well. Hopefully, I’ve learned to be more aware & stay out of the way more often.
Your final sentence, a question, points me in the right direction, into God’s presence, forcing perspective and humility if lacking, as I confess my own faults.
God sees into places I won’t or can’t because of my own sin: my own & others’ hearts. If we and the ones who offend us are willing, He will redeem all of us from our individual & collective failures.
It’s easier to throw stones with judgment in place of, or perhaps even in the name of God’s own Holy Spirit. This most definitely, does NOT please God. He WILL call us to account sooner or later.
If more of us humbly and lovingly walked with, stumbled over, crawled, and picked each other up after we’ve failed, as instructed, then, the question of others’ faults and failings would be much less vexing for us. We would love each other more in grateful release.
As a layman, thank you for providing focus & direction.
Psalm 37 has been a help to me in those times when it seems like those who do wrong are succeeding. I’m glad, too, that these kinds of questions will melt away when we get home.
Amen…come Lord Jesus….!
On this very issue I have found Bill Hybels book on Courageous Leadership an inspiration. It laos works very well cross culturally! Bless you – Jim in CCI / UK…….