Devotional

The Misunderstood Leader

Ready 

“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.” -- Mark 14:10

Set 

Our basketball game just ended and we were all stewing over another tough loss. My varsity team struggled through another game where they couldn't finish. As I sat with my coaches to unpack the pros and cons of the team's performance, one of my assistants who was upset about his own team's outcome, lashed out at our team and my coaching. Indignant with how I handled them, he wanted to reinvent the wheel and couldn’t find anything positive to say nor understand anyone’s perspective.

Part of being head of anything is learning how to honor and love. Sometimes you find yourself leading your players well but failing at leading your coaches. Sometimes you reveal your fallacies as a leader only to hear the dangerous and untrue opinions of those you lead.

What a misunderstanding! In today’s Scripture, Judas had missed the prediction Jesus had made against him. In the moment, Judas lost faith in Jesus and gave into the leading priests to betray Jesus.

Don’t be discouraged when people misinterpret the things that go on around you, just know you are in good company. Be encouraged that “God’s purpose will always prevail, he Himself will perfect, confirm, strengthen and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10). “He alone will establish the work of your hands (Psalm 90:17).” Just keep loving and leading.

Go 
  • Can you remember a time when you were misunderstood?
  • Has your leadership ever been in question? How did you handle it?
  • How can you lean on God when the world around you misunderstands you?
Workout 

Mark 14:10-26; Isaiah 26:3

Overtime 

“Lord, keep me from discouragement as I lead. Help me to recognize that people will not always understand what You are asking me to do, but help me to be obedient nonetheless.”

Bible Reference: 
Mark 14:10
Mark 14:10-26
Isaiah 26:3