Idyllic Leader

Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:1

Are you familiar with dark leadership? How do you recognize when leaders become toxic? Hilary Quosai explores dark leadership in her research, and she defines it as when an overused skill becomes a detractor leading to harm in an organization. (https://workfeelsgood.com/dark-leadership) When you study the various kings of Israel in the Old Testament, you will notice a common theme. Each king overused their authority and avoid God’s authority. As a result, their kingship led to a disaster followed by darkness. For instance, the failure of King Zedekiah to heed the prophet Jeremiah led to his blindness, and the last scene he witnessed was the murder of his sons.

Instead of adhering to the course of dark leadership, why not strive to become an idyllic leader rather than an ideal leader? What is the difference between these two leadership styles? Unlike an ideal leader, who exemplifies perfection, an idyllic leader is a work of prose that has the rhythm of poetry or is pleasing to the eyes because of its natural surroundings. An idyllic leader flows in rhythm with the presence of God. The idyllic leader is an embodiment of God's peace on earth. An idyllic leader understands the hearts and minds of their congregation. Finally, an idyllic leader strives to satisfy God rather than acting according to his desire.

Strive to become that idyllic leader by satisfying God rather than acting according to your own desires. When one fully becomes that idyllic leader, she or he will fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy as follows:

And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 23:4