Today’s Reading, 2 Kings 9-11
Focal Scripture: 2 Kings 10:31 “Yet Jehu was not careful to follow the instruction of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins that Jeroboam had caused Israel to commit.”
Leadership is both a gift and a skill. Unfortunately, most leaders only rely on their giftedness and never develop the skill to be better. I can tell you from personal experience that the leader I am today would be disappointed in the leader I was twenty years ago. I can also tell you that today I have much to learn about leadership. It is a skill that I am having to hone and really dive deep into. Leadership is difficult but the journey grows you as a person.
In today’s reading we see Jehu do great and mighty things for God. He defeats the Jewish enemies and sets the stage for what is to come next for the nation. His military acumen was phenomenal and his leadership giftedness brought a country together. However, we see that he was flawed. He would not completely submit to the Lord. God used him for great victories but he was not committed to the Lord personally. He would rather commit sins he should have learned from than to follow the statutes of the Lord.
Stop and think about that for a moment. This king lived and had great victories on behalf of God. God even gifted him with the ability to lead people in difficult situations. However, he chose sin over allegiance to the Lord. Jehu was flawed in his character.
The challenge for believers is to push yourself to be better personally and spiritually. The problem that many of us have is we rely on talent and don’t surrender to the Lord. We see this happen daily when people with God given ability refuse to get better at what they are doing. One of the best athletes I have ever seen also had terrible character. This lead to personal destruction and sabotaged their future.
Believers can also fall into this trap. They can rely on skill and not develop themselves spiritually. Which in turn leads to a false sense of their spiritual walk. Just because you act the part doesn’t mean you understand what you’re supposed to do.
To be a great leader you admit your flaws and work to get better. As a believer you admit your struggles and surrender to God. Perspective matters. Humility is needed. Submission is required. Let us take on the attitude of Peter.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 2 Kings 12-14
