"Regardless of age, position, or natural abilities, a man is ready to become a King only when his heart is in the right place. Meaning, yielded to God."
This is absolutely crucial because of the role a King is to play. Power is not given to a King for his comfort and pleasure, but rather so he can bless and serve the people. The king exists for the people, not the people for the king. The King is in power to serve and protect the people of his kingdom. "That is what a good King does - he uses all he has to make his kingdom like the kingdom of heaven for the sake of the people who live under his rule... For the sake of his people. That is why a man is given a kingdom. We are given power and resources and influence for the benefit of others." Plan and simple, leadership is all about serving.
"Too many men, having reached this point in their journey - or rather, finding themselves Kings even though they have not taken the masculine journey - seize the opportunity to make life good... for themselves. The average man in his forties or fifties comes into a little power and influence, a little discretionary cash, and he spends it making himself comfortable... He works if he has to, but the purpose of his labors is only to build his savings so that he can lead a life of leisure... There is a sense of entitlement that seems to come with the forties and fifties. The man has worked hard to get here, and something in him says, Hey - I've paid my dues. Now it's my turn to have some fun.... This is not why a man is given power and property."
Look at the world, and this is all you see. I could so easily list example after example of this, but I won't, because I really don't need to. A heart unyielded to God is selfish, and sees power as the opportunity to advance itself. Everything is about happiness and comfort, the way it wants life to be. But that is the opposite of what the role of King should look like. Jesus said it best in Matthew 20.
"But Jesus called them to Himself and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many'" (verses 25-28).
The context, right before this the mother of James and John asks Jesus to command that her two sons sit at his right and left hand when the Kingdom comes in its fullness. The other disciples hear this and angry with the two, and so Jesus tells them the real reason for leadership, serving others. And He says that even He, God in the flesh, did not come to be served but to serve, and not only that, but to die for the sins of the world. How many leaders do you know that have done that?
"But that is the true test of a King. Simply put, the test is this: what is life like for the people under his authority? Really. It's that simple. What is life like for the people in his kingdom? Have a look at his wife - is she tired, stressed out, overlooked? What about his children - are they flourishing? How much energy does he spend simply getting his children to behave, verses understanding their hearts and looking for ways to bless them? Talk to the people who work for him - do they feel they are simply building his kingdom, or that he is serving them? Are they growing in their own talents and abilities, joyful because they are cared for, given a place in the kingdom? If he is a pastor, look at his congregation - are they enjoying the genuine freedom and life Christ promised? Or is the unspoken system of the church one of fear, guilt, and performance?
A king is put in power to serve his people, to bless them, and to make their lives better and safer. Is this happening? Which of these options looks more like the kingdom you're leading, or part of? I've spent time in both, more time in the later sadly, but my desire is to be a good King. I want my wife to know she is cherished, and I want to bless my children. If I get to lead a church again, I want them to enjoy the freedom that is in Christ and grow daily into Christlikeness. I want my staff to grow and love what they do, to be proud to build the Kingdom by my side.
"When you look at the lives of bad kings... Life is all about them. The kingdom revolves around their happiness. You know they didn't wake each morning to ask themselves, 'What good can I do for others today with the power and wealth I have?' But this is the question a good king asks. It requires a holiness most men simply don't desire."
If you seek to be a good king, you must desire, more than anything else, holiness. It is the only way to selflessly serve. Without it selfishness rules the heart, abuses power, and neglects the people. The kingdoms of bad kings result in chaos, violence, and poverty. "Every man for himself. That's what happens when a king won't rule." But a good king works to achieve the opposite.
"A good King brings order to the realm. God brings order out of chaos at the beginning of creation, and then he hands the project over to Adam to rule in the same way. Not as a tyrant or micromanager, but offering his strength to bring order to the realm... The King is on his throne and all is well with the world... A good King also fights for the security of his kingdom, battling assault from without and sedition from within. that's why he must be a Warrior first... A family with a good father feels protected. Spiritually, emotionally, financially, physically, he is the one to bring peace and covering to his family. All this in order to bring blessing to his people... A good King wants his people to share in the prosperity of the realm. Bad kings build their own offshore bank accounts."
Which King do you want to be, a good one who serves his people, and forever is spoken of with not only respect, but love? Or a bad one who lives selfishly and is despised by the people who suffer under his neglect? To be a good King, you must be a holy king. Are you willing to pay the price of holiness?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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