Today’s Reading, 2 Chronicles 9-12
Focal Scripture: 2 Chronicles 12:1 “When Rehoboam had established his sovereignty and royal power, he abandoned the law of the Lord — he and all Israel with him.”
Being in charge is not intended for everyone. It is very difficult to lead, because to be a good leader you have to lead out of the overflow of your heart. Leadership exposes what is on the inside of a person. If the leader is mean spirited, a gossip, or duplicitous you are seeing what comes from the depths of them as an individual. If you have a leader that is kind, patient, and humble that also comes from their heart. Leadership is the easiest way to summarize a persons beliefs and heart towards God and others.
In today’s reading we see that Rehoboam established his sovereignty and royal power and once he did he abandoned the law of the Lord. Then the people followed his leadership. Notice how God is not mentioned in the beginning. How the power was all about him and his way of doing things. This demonstrated how he viewed leadership and the treatment of others. It revealed his heart. Then the saddest part is the people followed their leader down this treacherous path.
We know from reading the rest of the scriptures that this sin was pointed out to Rehoboam and he repented along with the people. Unfortunately, they still had consequences because of their sin. The lesson we need to learn from this is very important for those who lead nations, churches, businesses or even a small work crew. When you are given the responsibility of leadership it comes with great influence. It also shows your true character. When you get to make decisions concerning people it shows how you value others. When you make decisions for an organization it demonstrates if you’re a servant or a tyrant.
I am always amazed at how much the Bible speaks on leadership. The warnings it gives to those who lead people and organizations. The warning is this, you will be held accountable for how you lead. You will be held accountable for your speech both in public and in private. You will be held accountable if the power given to you was to bring yourself glory or God glory.
If you follow someone make sure you watch how they lead. It will reveal their heart. If you are a leader have people you trust who will be honest with you and become teachable if you are leading in a bad manner.
After all, leadership reveals what is deep down in our hearts. So if you are a leader what is in your heart?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 2 Chronicles 13-17
