Reverent Leadership Authority

[S] Nehemiah 13:22 --
 ²²And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come as gatekeepers to sanctify the sabbath day. For this also remember me, O my God, and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness.

[O] Nehemiah's command to Levites that they should purify themselves came not only with authority but also with reverence to God.  He displays the leadership who is foremost reverent before God and out of that brings forth the authority required to lead people including rebuking when they are out of line with God's principles.  There is a fine line between leading by fear vs. leading by conviction but Nehemiah's leadership was honored by others because of his right motivation before God.  After his commanding the Levites, he humbly falls before God and recognizes his privilege because of God's compassion and lovingkindness.

[A] Being in a leadership role at church, I need to learn to balance these two like Nehemiah.  I must not just abuse my role/position but to lead them to see the motivation for my leadership comes from my on-going experiences of God's compassion, grace, and love for my own life.

[P] Dear God, please make me a leader with the compassion heart like Yours and for me to always balance the authority and compassion.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.