Esther 7:5-6 (ESV)

[5] Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?” [6] And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!” Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen.

Esther calls Haman, “A foe and an enemy.” Earlier, in Esther 3:10, Haman was called, “The enemy of the Jews.” The King is the one who signed the order for all the Jews to be destroyed, yet he is never called an enemy. That title is reserved for Haman. There are enemies of the church, and there are those whose actions may be destructive or divisive, but who are not deliberate enemies. Haman was a deliberate enemy of the Jews, Ahasuerus was not, although his decision had seemingly assured their destruction.

We would like to think that those in positions of authority, whether in politics, churches, or homes, are wise, loving, and godly. We would like to think that they are above being manipulated or used. We would like to think that they can see through the smoke screen of enemies to the truth. But the reality is that the highest leaders are just people. They are people with satisfaction, security and significance issues just like the rest of us. They are people with limited vision and partial perspective, just like everyone else. That is why wise counselors are so important. That is why a plurality of leadership is important. That is why humility and an attitude of service in leaders is invaluable. That is why Peter wrote these words about leadership:

1 Peter 5:1-3 (ESV)

[1] So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; [3] not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Whether you are leading a church, a ministry, a small group, or your family, these words are appropriate to consider. We are to carry out our leadership willingly, unselfishly, and humbly by example rather than coercion and control. We need to understand that we are easily susceptible to mistakes and misunderstandings, and be ready to admit when we are wrong. We need to listen well, and model what we teach.

For those following leaders, remember that bad decisions do not make leaders our enemies. Yes, there are enemies of the church, the gospel, and the family out there. But, we need to be careful not to label people as enemies when they make bad decisions. There are enemies. There are patsies. There are poor decisions made because of poor judgment. We have an Enemy who wants to destroy the work of God, but not everyone he uses is an enemy. Maybe that is why Jesus challenged us with these words:

Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)

[43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [48] You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.