Biblically and historically, when God sought to accomplish His purposes on earth, he raised up leaders. Those who led in a Christ-like manner were powerful instruments in God’s hand. Such people would move people from where they were to where God wanted them to be.
But there is also an obligation for followers toward their leaders. Followers must show respect toward those who lead them. This must be done because disorder ensues when followers do not respect the role of those who lead them. Moreover, followers must recognize God’s activity in placing people over them. If God has placed a leader in authority over you, you need to honor God’s activity by the way you follow.
We live in an age that routinely disparages leaders. We scrutinize every fault. We diminish the role of leaders as if their contribution was no different than that of their followers. But it is. Leadership is a divinely appointed role and one to which we owe our respect.