SWHW Bible Reading Plan: June 2021Sample

Top Takeaway from Caren Fehr:

We see how seriously God takes disobedience and false prophecy in these two chapters of Jeremiah. Not only so, but anything that is done to His flock that is not ultimately for their good and His glory, God does not tolerate.

We all have spheres of influence where God is working in us and through us. Yet, we must never forget that we cannot be effective leaders if we are not first following Christ wholeheartedly.

As Michelle Myers once explained, there is only one Leader who is a Noun (Christ). We, on the other hand, get to partner with Him by leading as a verb. Our highest priority of leadership is seen in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20. We are to lead people to Christ!

Now, while Jeremiah 23 is specifically talking about prophets and false prophets, there is much we can still learn around the topic of leadership. From what we read, we see what godly leadership is and isn’t.

Ungodly leadership: 

1. Neglects the sheep 


2. Lacks holiness  


3. Speaks reckless lies 


4. Is godless 


5. Leads people away from God 


6. Speaks its own heart 


7. Works for its own best interest 


8. Proclaims false hope

Godly leadership: 

1. Feeds and cares for the sheep 


2. Pursues holiness 


3. Is marked by Truth 


4. Is godly 


5. Leads people to God 


6. Speaks God's Word 


7. Works for the best interest of others 


8. Proclaims real Hope

Ultimately, we must be cautious because we will be influenced by who we follow. Even more, we will imitate who we follow. Therefore, we cannot allow random leadership into our lives, nor are we to lead others without first consulting the Lord.

"How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? Yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal." Jeremiah 23:26-27

Unless we remain firm in our understanding of who God is and what He has done, we will be easily seduced to accept all kinds of other doctrines and paths that are not His.

With that said, I will leave us with two small tips to prevent us from slipping:

1. If you are the one receiving leadership, test everything you hear and receive against the Word of God.

2. If you are the one doing the leading, consult God before doing or speaking anything.

Let's ensure that we never make others' voices, words, opinions, or impact bigger or more influential than God’s.

Father, You are the One True Leader. Please help us to manage our leadership positions in a way that will glorify You and be of benefit to those around us. Help us care for people and have Your fear alone in our hearts. Help us to serve well where we have been planted. May we ultimately be most influenced by You and Your Word. Give us discernment when listening to others’ opinions of Your Word. May we quickly recognize what is Your voice and what is not because we are in Your Word ourselves daily. We love You. Amen.