Called, Not Bought – Choosing Leaders God’s Way

Scripture Focus: Acts 14:23 (NIV)

“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”

Devotional:
Leadership in God’s kingdom is a sacred trust, not a financial transaction. In Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas model a powerful principle for the church today: leaders are appointed through prayer and fasting, not bribery, popularity, or wealth.

In many societies today, money has become a persuasive force in leadership selection—even in spiritual circles. Yet scripture reminds us that true spiritual authority is recognized, not bought. Paul and Barnabas entrusted the process to God through prayerful seeking and spiritual sensitivity. The result? Leaders who were divinely approved, not humanly imposed.

Choosing leaders by monetary influence leads to corruption, division, and spiritual stagnation. But when God’s people fast and pray, they open themselves up to divine discernment. This process ensures that those chosen to lead are filled with the Spirit, grounded in truth, and ready to shepherd with humility.

Money may buy a position, but it can never buy God’s anointing. Let us return to a holy standard where leadership is discerned, not purchased.

Reflection:

1. Are your leadership choices influenced by gifts, status, or spiritual discernment?
2. How often do you fast and pray before making important decisions in the church?
3. What systems can your community put in place to ensure integrity in leadership selection?

Prayer:
Lord, help us to resist the temptation to choose leaders by worldly standards. Give us the grace to fast, pray, and seek Your will in all things. Raise up leaders who reflect Your heart, not their wealth. Amen.