Today’s Reading, 1 Kings 20-21
Focal Scripture: 1 Kings 21:20 “Ahab said to Elijah, “So, my enemy, you’ve found me, have you? ” He replied, “I have found you because you devoted yourself to do what is evil in the Lord’s sight.”
A persons actions will reveal their character over time. I have witnessed people who have learned how to play the game and manipulate people into thinking they are a good person. They will say all the right things publicly and even be personable. However, behind closed doors they give you a glimpse of who they really are inside their heart. I have also witnessed people whose actions reveal hearts devoted to the Lord. What I know for certain is that you can fake what you believe but your actions reveal what’s inside of your heart.
In today’s reading Ahab is an example of a person who continually did evil. He would repent for a season and then go directly back to sinning against the Lord. His evil actions were seen by God and by the prophet. What were these evil actions? Worshipping other gods and devoting himself to evil plans. Ahab was a leader who allowed evil to prevail. His actions went against the standard of the Lord.
It has become clear in my life that character is not valued by people in the secular world and often the church world. People want success and a certain personality to lead organizations. They want magnetic personalities and people who take charge. Unfortunately, when people like this get in leadership they lack character. This lack of character always leads to destruction and excuses.
I witnessed one person who was talented at talking to people and being their buddy. They were engaging and could be one of the men. However, if you questioned this person or didn’t do what they said you became an enemy. This person would talk about and even use foul language when speaking about others. He exposed his true character on numerous occasions. Instead of it being dealt with biblically the individual and the organization would make excuses for the behavior.
Why do I tell this story? Because when evil is allowed it always brings destruction. You can hide a persons character for a season but in the end it will always be revealed. Ahab’s evil ways were exposed by the Lord and the Lord dealt with it harshly.
Our challenge is to submit our desires and character to the Lord. When we pick leaders or even volunteers they must be people who have actions in public and private that glorify God. The world is watching and the types of leaders that are chosen today will impact culture for the next 40 years.
So are you a leader that has pure actions in public and private? Or are you a leader that has learned how to play the game of hiding your true self from others. We need more genuine believers and leaders. The world’s standards can’t be the churches.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 1 Kings 22 & 2 Chronicles 18
