Leadership - Priorities (1 Samuel 12)
What measure can we use to see if we, or our organizations, have forgotten who we are in God and what Christ, our King, has done for us? It's what we do, what ideas mesmerize us, and what our priorities are. That's the measure.
It's the principle of measuring our fidelity to Christ that we read in John 15:5-9: “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
Are we abiding in Christ, or in the world? Are we focused on achieving success in our chosen profession and accumulating wealth, demonstrating that we are the best, brightest, and most powerful? Do we hold up gold bars and claim it is proof we are godly? Can we punt to the next generation to have godly priorities, as if our generation is somehow exempt and allowed to abide in the devil with God’s so-called tolerance for the greater good? Can we claim trophies and sheer numbers of people through turnstiles as proof of God’s favor? By such measures, Disney would not only be the Magic Kingdom, but the Kingdom of God. It is not (despite the good intentions of the founders, who I believe would be so burdened by the drift of that organization).
For those of us spending even a moment in Scripture, we can see that godliness requires holiness (see Matthew 18:3). Without repentance and Holy Spirit transformation, we are bound to drift, prone to wander, as we sing, and at risk of being handed over by our Father to our own desires (Romans 1). God forbid.
Scripture, from first page to last, repeats the principle of accountability; it's as true today as it was for Samuel, Socrates, Stalin, and Saladin. It is this: if we fear and worship Almighty God, the Creator, and listen to His voice, and if we do not rebel against the LORD’s commands, then God will be with us and help our actions show that we serve Him. But if we rebel against God with our priorities and purses, hypocrites and masters at lip service, rather than Luke 17 service, and if we refuse to listen to God, His hand will come down heavy upon us (1 Samuel 12).
I’m reminded lately that God’s timing is perfect. He wants us to pray and desire greater faith. That requires that we serve and serve well. And that we work hard to be united with other Christians. There is a crazy but true story of two blind men who together ask Jesus to help them. We don't know if they are brothers or friends, or just aligned by common disability. But both are blind. Both with faith in Jesus. They cry out to Him, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” And Jesus asks them what they want. They wanted to be healed, and Jesus merely touched their eyes and healed them both because of their faith in Him (Matthew 20:29-33). Have that kind of faith. And that kind of unity. For there is tremendous godly power when we are in unity and agreement that we need our Lord and Savior.
God is just. He’s merciful, so much so that He has forgiven our sins. And for His servants, He requires us to be merciful to others. Do not refuse to forgive your fellow Christians from your heart (Matthew 18:35). And do not refuse to listen to God and His priorities for our work.
Men, let the Holy Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes. We are to live as children of God: righteous, pure, truly holy.
Start by stopping telling lies. Stop. And refuse to listen to the lies of hypocrites. Tell people the truth. Stand for godly priorities. God’s standards are the highest. And we are created to imitate Him and live to His high mark for our lives.
Let’s be like Samuel and, with perseverance, show that we can not only serve God well over the long haul, but that our sons and daughters, by His grace, will as well. Obediently trust and serve Jesus in faith. And see what the King of Kings will do. Instead of fear of the demons and the men they use, faithfully trust God, for He is with us. We are His prized possession.
Lord God, please let us be men filled not with our own ideas, but filled with Your ideas. Yours are good and pleasing and perfect. And kind. And helpful. Please help us to be ready with clean hands and pure hearts today for good work. Have mercy on us, Lord King. Amen.
Our son, Samuel, and his wife, Rachel.
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