The Weight of the Mantle: Honoring and Holding Leaders Accountable
Sometimes we expect so much from those who lead us that we forget—they are human, just like us. When Herod arrested James, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, the church did nothing until he was already dead (Acts 12:1–2). Perhaps the believers assumed that because James was part of Jesus' inner circle, no harm would come to him. But their silence cost them.
They may have believed that proximity to Jesus made James invincible. Similarly, today we often treat our leaders as if they are superhuman. We admire them so much that we cannot imagine them being weak, frail, or in need of help.
Some say that "the top is the loneliest place." Many leaders carry a weight that those under them often ignore. Trying to meet the impossible expectations of those they lead, many leaders become self-involved and performance-driven. This pressure hinders them from fulfilling their true responsibilities.
Many are trapped in the facade of perfection. They are unable to reach out for help or even acknowledge their mistakes. As a result, leaders suffer in silence, isolated by their position and afraid of being judged for showing weakness. But scripture reminds us that even great leaders had flaws—David sinned, Elijah grew weary, and Moses doubted. Yet God still used them mightily (Psalm 51, 1 Kings 19, Exodus 4:10–13).
Later, Herod arrested Peter, just as he had James—but this time, the church prayed fervently (Acts 12:5), and Peter was miraculously released. The death of James awakened the church to its responsibility to stand in the gap for their leaders. As believers, we must realize that those we honor and follow are still men and women in need of grace, prayer, and accountability.
Paul once confronted Peter for acting hypocritically—eating with the Gentiles privately but withdrawing from them in public when Jewish believers were present (Galatians 2:11–14). Paul understood that leaving the issue unaddressed would lead to confusion and compromise among the brethren. His correction wasn’t dishonor—it was love and protection for the whole body.
We must not overburden our leaders with unrealistic expectations. Scripture teaches, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Knowing this, we should judge actions not by charisma or personality, but by the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12).
Unfortunately, in many African contexts, holding leaders accountable is often viewed as dishonor or rebellion. Political leaders, elected by the people, often begin their campaigns with humility but become defensive and authoritarian once in power. They label critics as enemies rather than seeing them as voices of reason. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Correction is not an attack—it is a sign of care.
Leadership is a burden, but when that burden is shared, it becomes a beautiful journey. Good leaders acknowledge their weaknesses and surround themselves with those whose strengths complement them. These people act as a fail-safe—a safeguard against pride and error.
Even Peter came to recognize Paul’s wisdom and revelation of the Word (2 Peter 3:15–16). True leadership is strengthened when it embraces both vulnerability and accountability.
To all leaders: the top only becomes lonely when you choose to isolate yourself. Surround yourself with counsel, embrace correction, and remember—you are not God. And to all followers: honor your leaders, pray for them, but never idolize them. They need your support, not your silence.
God bless.
