The term “fool’s gold” is not an unfamiliar one. Fool’s gold has the appearance of real gold; it shines like gold but it is not the real deal. It is pyrite. As a #servant leader, one will be expected to become as pure gold. Not because he or she is great, but because God is great. Job 23:10 says, “But He knows the way that I take; When he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job’s experiences with God bought about that type of assurance. Matthew 5:8, “ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Scripturally, the servant leader must be refined as pure gold. Zechariah 13:9, “I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them…
Scientifically, companies treat metals in a furnace to separate pure gold from other precious metals. In the process, they add borax and soda ash to the melting metals. The result is a separation that brings forth the purest form of gold. The purest gold is then used to produce other products such as jewelry.
Although servant leaders find the “furnace” fiery and uncomfortable, there is something to be celebrated about the scourging (the affliction). First, the purest form of you will come through. Remember, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (the Hebrew boys) in the fiery furnace; they came through without the stench of fire (Daniel 3:13-23) because of who they served. He answered and said, “Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God,” (verse 25). Second, the spiritual connection with God is magnified. The evidence of survival will be on you. It will be that God did it – not man.
Allowing God to process you through is to allow Him to separate your impurities. The melting away of impurities will not define you but the glory of God will be magnified. To reject God’s refinement, is to reject His best for you. Leadership that is fool’s gold – is pyrite. It will sour those that one leads. It will cause stench. Not the real deal ordained by God.