The Codependent Leader

When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.”

Exodus 32:1 NLT

I appreciate this scenario. I can relate. I can easily substitute my name for Aaron’s and read it as if God is speaking directly to me. I can feel the stress. I can feel the tension. I can see him looking around for an answer, a way out, a quick exit—all because he didn’t know how to handle the felt needs of his people.

He believed he could MEET their needs.

Faced with seemingly insurmountable doubt, Aaron attempted to create, to manufacture comfort. He panicked. He tried to fix the problem. He believed he had the answer.

Leaders, you’re not going to be able to meet the all the needs of all your people. You cannot simultaneously be an effective leader and a people pleaser. Who is the leader? You’ve got to realize that God has gifted you to lead His people. These moments are not designed to break you down, to destroy your confidence—NO, these moments are intended to grow you as a leader, to give you experience.

If you allow yourself to be wrapped up in emotion, if you’re convinced that you’re in control of how people feel, than you’re going to be hesitant, indecisive, and lack any confidence. How do you fight this? How do you get around this? You get in His word. You pray your face off. You allow God to lead your life.

You realize it’s not your ability, it’s His gift.

You realize it’s not your ministry, it’s His.

You realize it’s not your job, it’s His calling.

Let God speak into your life. He will give you direction. He will guide you. Unlike Aaron, you’ll realize that you CANNOT meet the needs of people, but you CAN honor God by acting on His direction.

For Aaron this was a great opportunity for growth, not only for him but for the Hebrews, but it was a missed opportunity. Don’t allow these opportunities to pass you by out of fear. Stand up and lead. It’s you AND God; what’s to fear?