The King’s Speech depicts the surprising rise to power of Prince Albert, who became King George VI of England when his brother Edward abdicated the throne to marry an American divorcée. Albert didn’t want to be king, in part because his severe stuttering often embarrassed him when he spoke to groups. And this would prove important, for Albert had the misfortune of being king during Hitler’s bombing of London. If ever England needed strong leadership, it was then.
Eventually, Albert overcame his speech impediment and rallied his people to withstand Germany’s blitzkrieg. Although Albert was ultimately successful, his tenuous reign illustrates the burden of leadership. Whoever’s in charge is responsible.
We applaud Albert for his service to Great Britain. It’s good to rise to the occasion and provide leadership when needed, but leadership can sometimes be an unnecessary burden that we take on ourselves. Even if you’re called to lead your group or team, you can always enjoy the true freedom of being a follower of Jesus. It’s a relief to know that He is Lord of your life (Revelation 19:3-4). And if He’s Lord, then you don’t have to be (Revelation 19:5).
The only burden worse than being lord of your life is the frustration of pretending to be in charge. Have you ever had a job that demanded accountability but gave you no real authority? You were held responsible for sales or performance that you were powerless to change. In time you quit.
So why don’t we quit pretending that we are lord? Why would we even want that responsibility? Let’s submit to Jesus, who possesses “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 19:15-16). Do what He says, and if for some reason it doesn’t work out the way you expected, you can trust where He leads.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Esther 6:1–7:10
More:
Read Psalm 119:97-112 to learn the benefits of submitting to God as Lord of your life.
Next:
What are you afraid to entrust to Jesus for fear that it won’t turn out as you’d like? How are you shouldering more responsibility for your life than you should?
sheridan voysey on May 7, 2012 at 4:36 am
Brilliant, Mike. Thank you. My words to remember today: ‘If He’s Lord, then you don’t have to be.’
AManofGod on May 7, 2012 at 8:42 am
I think this is especially hard for humans but even moreso for men today. Society teaches us to strive to be leaders and to have everything under control and to be the masters of each and every task we undertake.
Applying this teaching is very liberating indeed. If God is driving the car we can simply sit back and enjoy the ride (given we do OUR part as well!)!
AManofGod
tom felten on May 7, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Exactly, AManofGod. As Mike wrote, “It’s good to rise to the occasion and provide leadership” in the context of serving God in our homes, jobs, lives. The challenge is to not try to take over His sovereign role—only He is Lord. For me, this has provided great peace and hope in wrestling with difficult issues such as chronic cancer and friends with seemingly impossible-to-fix marital problems. We continue to pray, continue to serve God as best we can, but acknowledge that only He is Lord!
winn collier on May 9, 2012 at 11:22 am
the frustration of pretending to be in charge – so true, not that I have personal experience. Releasing control is the thing many of us fear most, but it’s the very thing that brings relief.
godisgood on May 21, 2012 at 9:13 am
This reminds me of the words to a song by Carrie Underwood that says,
“Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can’t do this on my own;
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
To save me from this road I’m on
Jesus, take the wheel.”
Sometimes we hold on to control until we have no choice but to allow God to do it. He is our Master, our Guide and I could go on and on… He’s knows what’s best for us and the quicker we realize that the better for us and Him because then God can use us for His glory.