Stewardship of Authority and Influence
Let’s be honest. Not everyone in a leadership position is actually a leader.
Some people are just… in charge.
- The boss who loves the title but not the responsibility.
- The church leader who demands respect but refuses to serve.
- The government official who enjoys the benefits but ignores the people.
We’ve all seen it.
Maybe, at times, we’ve even been it.
But true leadership is not about control—it’s about stewardship.
God doesn’t just give influence for personal gain. He gives it for impact.
So, are you a leader, or are you just in charge?
Let’s break it down.
1. Leadership Is a Calling, Not a Status
Many people see leadership as a promotion, a reward, or a sign of importance.
But in the Bible, leadership is a calling—and it comes with weighty responsibility.
Biblical Examples of Leadership as Stewardship
✔ Moses didn’t apply for the job—he was called to lead Israel, despite his weaknesses (Exodus 3:11-12).
✔ David was a shepherd before he was a king. God trained him to lead by teaching him to care for sheep (1 Samuel 16:11-13).
✔ Jesus—the ultimate leader—served instead of demanding service (Matthew 20:28).
Leadership is never about status—it’s always about service.
2. Being in Charge vs. Being a Leader
Here’s the difference between real leaders and those who are just in charge:
| Those Who Are Just in Charge | True Leaders |
|---|---|
| Love titles and positions | Love people and purpose |
| Demand respect and obedience | Earn trust through service |
| Avoid accountability | Accept responsibility |
| Make themselves comfortable | Make others better |
| Use authority to control | Use authority to empower |
Being in charge is about power.
Being a leader is about responsibility.
3. The Danger of Misusing Influence
Many people step into leadership but fail the test of stewardship.
Power exposes character.
- Pharaoh used his power to oppress Israel.
- Saul used his position to hunt David out of jealousy.
- The Pharisees used religion to burden people instead of helping them.
Modern-Day Examples
- The church leader who uses authority to silence questions instead of guiding people.
- The boss who micro-manages everything instead of trusting the team.
- The politician who forgets the people once elected.
God doesn’t just judge what we do with leadership—He judges how we do it.
4. Stewarding Authority the Right Way
If God has given you influence, you have a divine responsibility to:
✔ Lead with humility – Pride destroys leadership. Humility sustains it (Proverbs 11:2).
✔ Seek wisdom – Leadership without wisdom is dangerous (Proverbs 4:7).
✔ Be accountable – Every leader needs someone who can correct them (Proverbs 27:17).
✔ Empower others – The best leaders raise more leaders.
✔ Serve first – “Whoever wants to be great must be a servant.” (Matthew 20:26)
Great leaders don’t cling to power—they release it for impact.
5. Are You Leading Well? (Self-Check)
Ask yourself:
- Do I care more about the title than the people?
- Do I use my authority to control or to empower?
- Am I accountable to anyone?
- If I lost my position today, would I still serve?
- Would God say I’m stewarding leadership well?
If leadership is about service, impact, and responsibility—then many people aren’t leading.
They’re just… in charge.
Which one are you?
Final Thought
Leadership is a gift from God—but it’s also a test.
✔ How you lead determines whether God can trust you with more.
✔ The best leaders aren’t obsessed with power—they’re obsessed with purpose.
✔ If you don’t lead well, God can take the influence away (Luke 16:10).
So, are you a leader, or just in charge?
The way you serve, empower, and steward your influence will answer that question.