Leaders usually take some sort of oath of office before executing the duties of this office. This is a personal commitment to faithfully fulfill the duties of an office that is not centered on the person individually. A job needs to be done and we’re bringing our very selves into it. But this is not about us. We’re committing to an office beyond our own personal self-interest.
For instance, the office of husband is one we enter into and personally commit to loving our wives as Christ loved the church. But as an office, we don’t get to set the terms, obligations, or duties required of us. Of course, we bring our personal flavor and touch to the role, but the office of husband is something we must still faithfully submit to ourselves. We don’t get to do whatever seems right in our own eyes.
And the same holds true for the office of father. We have a duty to protect and provide for our kids, to train them in the way they should go. And there’s a lot of freedom to tailor this to the unique needs of our kids, and to our own temperament as well. Still, we have a responsibility to the office that’s not centered on us individually.
Likewise, this plays out with our gifts and callings as well. While we’re exercising the unique strengths God has given us, we must still fulfill the duties to the office of our calling. Even here we have a responsibility beyond our own self-interest.
Throughout our life and relationships we enter into various oaths of office, some more formal than others.
But whatever it looks like, this is a reminder of our duty to the offices we occupy beyond our own personal interests.
In the end, bring your personal touch. But remember the office is not about you. Faithfully execute your duties and bring about the life and goodness God intends through the various roles he has given you.
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
