"A crown says we have been put in a position of privilege. But it's a position that has subjects whom we are responsible to lead with wisdom. Our children and grandchildren need to be able to trust us to walk worthy of our calling as people who have been appointed by God for a sacred purpose. We need to wear our crowns responsibly. It starts by reeling in our egos and rolling out God's grace." Extreme Grandparenting, p 29
The Bible tells about many kings who wore crowns. Some were good kings like Josiah, who led their people toward God. Some were wicked kings like Jeroboam, who led their people away from God. As God dealt with these wicked kings, He made it very clear that with God-given authority comes God-given responsibility. In other words, when God gives us influence and authority over others, He holds us responsible for the way in which we wield that influence and authority.
God expects us to use our influence and authority
to lead others toward God, not away from Him.
History books also tell about kings who wore crowns. Some were good kings who put their people's needs above their own needs. Some were bad kings (tyrants) who put their own needs above their people's needs. It seems to me that the tyrants assumed the privilege of the crown, but shunned the responsibility. On the other hand, the good kings assumed both the privilege and the responsibility.
Thinking about the King of Kings, He did something extraordinarily above and beyond any other king that ever lived. Jesus Christ laid aside the privilege of the kingly crown to wear a crown of thorns. Yet He never laid aside the responsibility of His kingly crown. He never once placed His own needs above the needs of His people. He owned it all, but He gave it all up for His people. He owed no debt, yet He shed His own blood to pay all the debt of His sinful people. He deserved all the acclaim, but He endured all the shame of the cross for His people.
Good kings die to self and live as servants to those they govern.
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