What is missing today in our nation, in churches and those who hold public office, are strong leaders. We have replaced strong leadership with popular figures, mistakenly thinking that they are strong leaders.

How wrong we are, because a strong leader is hardly ever popular. Strength is not seen when you please everybody, strength more often than not is when a leader goes against popular sentiment because of his or her belief in what is right.

Tragically, we see such lacking in Governor Pilate.

Right before him, stands the most innocent man in the history of mankind, and let’s give Pilate his due, in that he’s been blessed with the power of discernment.

But does he listen to his discerning voice?

No!

In the Gospel of John 19: 38, after questioning Jesus in his inner chamber, he goes out to the people and says, “He is not guilty of any crime!”

Now that’s a huge statement, right?

But look at what he says next, “If you want me to, I’ll release him.”

Hey Governor, it’s in your hands man, you don’t need to ask anybody. Your job is to check if someone’s guilty or not, then release the person found innocent, right?

“No”, says Pilate, “my job is to remain popular!”

And, oh yes, he remained popular I’m sure, with the high priests and those who felt threatened by Jesus, but history books call him a weak, indecisive leader.

There are many such men and women, not just in our political landscape, but among our religious leadership. Leaders not guided by the Bible, but who’s only ambition is to make it to Bishop or chairman of their organisation, and whose only vision is their flock venerating them.

But, a God above, doesn’t.

And even as a Bishop’s Palace or a huge parsonage or the watchman’s salute, is what they aim for, it’s just a matter of years before they feel the heat of hell’s fires and an eternity without a God who they’d promised to serve.

Is popularity really worth this end?

Oh, there’s another thing; popular decisions may give you a momentary standing ovation, but soon, what’s lost is respect.

People might have roared with approval at the decision of burning Giordano Bruno at the stake. His crime? Stating that the earth moved round the sun, and not the other way around as the church believed. The bishops and hierarchy must have been applauded, like Pilate was, but today, those popular men are thought of as murderers.

What about you?

Are you, like Pilate, asking, “What shall I do with Jesus?”

“What shall I do with this problem?”

“Shall we nail this guy in our WhatsApp group?”

Or are you willing to leave aside your popularity, take a stand, and go down in history as a man or woman of strength?

You decide…!

———————–

The Author himself will train your students or staff to write powerfully! Call 9892572883 for details and let Robert Clements train them in his easy and comfortable way at your own premises! Let the power of WORDS spoken and written effectively and forcefully, change them! Build confidence through powerful writing and dynamic speaking!