The Law of Respect: Aaron Replaces Moses

While Moses spoke with God on the mountain, the Israelites began to wonder just where their leader had gone. It didn’t take them long to look for a new leader, at least for a season. As they gathered around Aaron to request his help in making a golden calf, they violated the first of the Ten Commandments they were about to receive.

Although Aaron’s convictions lagged seriously behind those of Moses, the people begged him to take charge. Why? Probably because of the Law of Respect. Once Moses pulled his disappearing act, the people looked for the next strongest leader to take over. They did so because:

1. People are like sheep without a shepherd. They always need a leader; Jesus said so (Mark 6:34).

2. People focus on immediate felt needs. They struggle with delayed gratification.

3. People suffer from memory failure. They always ask: What’s the leader done for me lately?

4. People are insecure. They begin to worry without abundant signs of hope.

Taken from The Maxwell Leadership Bible