Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 20, 2017
Many curry favor with a ruler, and everyone is the friend of a man who gives gifts. Proverbs 19:6
Do you act differently when you are in the presence of power? Are you able to be yourself and not become pretentious because of someone’s position? Leaders need people around them who will tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. If you are intimidated or awestruck by wealth and stature, then you will tend not to tell the truth for fear of rejection or punishment. Bold believers bow down to no one but the Lord God.
Fake followers of Jesus are in it for what others can do for them. Faith is replaced with favors. Receiving is valued over giving. And self-service is sought out over sacrifice. Casual Christianity is an affront to Almighty God, because it creates an inauthentic culture. If there is no confrontation or hard discussions, then life is being lived in a bubble of denial and disillusionment. Someone needs to speak up and be real.
“Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice” (Proverbs 29:26).
Leaders can preclude pretense by deflecting any air of superiority. Your transparency over loss and disappointment gives the team permission to express their anxieties. Take the time to confess your struggles and inability to trust Christ at times. People in positions of influence have an obligation to invite honest evaluation. When was the last time you asked your family or team how you can serve them? What disappoints them?
Lastly, are you willing to lose a friend for the sake of being real? Genuine grace-filled followers of God are like gold. They are valuable, and wise leaders seek to retain them for their honesty and no-nonsense counsel. Do I have secure people around me who will tell me the truth? Do I honor honesty and appreciate authenticity? Loyalty longs to be around a friend who only seeks favor from the Lord Jesus Christ.
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, keep me real in the presence of power so we may experience Your real power, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.Application
What power do I need to give over to someone else to steward what’s best for all?Related Reading
1 Kings 14:6; Jeremiah 3:10; Philippians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:7Post/Tweet today
Leaders need people around them who will tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. #WisdomHunters #pretense&powerWorship Resource
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