Read 2 Samuel 24:16-17 16 When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD was grieved because of the calamity and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.” The angel of the LORD was then at the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 17 When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the LORD, “I am the one who has sinned and done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall upon me and my family.”

I have a friend who heads a Christian organization that has gone through some very difficult times lately. Some of his staff made some poor decisions that led to the crisis that they are experiencing. But my friend refuses to place the blame on anyone except himself. I deeply respect him because, as the leader, he owns up to the responsibility of that position.

Leadership is not about status and position. It’s all about responsibility. Everybody wants to be in charge until there is a mess to be cleaned up. We might say, “Hey, I want the job. Why? I’ll get invitation to do this; my name will be mentioned here. I’m the one touted as being most significant to the running of this whole thing.” Everyone wants the job until there is a major mess to be cleaned up. Then all of a sudden no matter who caused the mess we point to the leader and say, “He’s the guy who is in charge.” Rightly so because in a very practical sense it comes down to this - a leader’s mettle is that person’s ability to take the heat.

That’s why I’m drawn to 2 Samuel 24:17. David was a true leader. David blew it. He made a mistake. He did something wrong and the people were paying for it. David stepped in and said, “I’m not looking for someone to take the heat. I did it. I’m responsible.” Those are refreshing words these days. Nobody wants to own the responsibility but we all want to take the credit. For good or bad what a leader does affects the well-being of his followers. We have to be willing to accept the blessings and the burdens. In other words we need to take responsibility and to own what belongs to that position. That’s why a person should never be given a position of leadership until there has been proven character.

Don’t allow others to pay for what you have done. You have been placed in leadership because you are responsible. Take the responsibility.
-Crawford W. Loritts-

Responding - Do I take responsibility for my mistakes or do I let others take the fall?
Following - Leadership is not about status and position but it’s all about resposibility.

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