Week Twenty-Eight - He That Ruleth

God's direct mandate is, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God."

Admittedly, few leaders attain this, whether in politics, education, or, sadly, even in the clergy. However, this principle of integrity and justice is admired and expected throughout the ranks of God's servants. 

For example, a father should be just and rule his home in the fear of God, and so should a mother. A pastor should be just and lead his church in the fear of God, as should all church leaders. A teacher should be just and manage their classroom in the fear of God. We could continue thinking of leadership positions that benefit from these two characteristics—justness and Godly fear.

Leadership makes us more accountable before God and others for our words and actions. It is foolish to think that we can flippantly do and say whatever we want simply because we hold a title or position. God will call us to account, so we'd best think before we speak or act. 

Dick Brogen, when speaking of leadership wrote, "If we enjoy pronouncing judgment, we are acting in the flesh and do not understand what it costs the Father to admonish His children. . . God employs an unyielding, unrelenting process to make holy those who would speak holiness." God takes the privilege of leadership seriously.

His mandate is found in 2 Samuel 23:3, "He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God." The remainder of the chapter recounts the exploits and bravery of David's mighty men of valor. This tells me that God recognizes justness and Godly fear at all levels of leadership and service. 

Given the current state of world politics, it may seem easy and warranted to point out the failures of world leaders. But that is not our responsibility. They will give an account, just as we will, before God. So let's not be too quick to point fingers. Let's use justness and Godly fear to examine our own lives first. Are we leading our homes well? Are we exhibiting good leadership skills in our workplace? Are we just with those under our care? Do we understand that all of us will give account unto God?

Humbling, isn't it? So, when and where God gives you a leadership opportunity, take it seriously. Your heavenly Father is watching.

Week Twenty-Seven - For Shame, For Shame

"Be careful, you'll fall in," were the last words I heard before I lost my balance and fell bottom-first into the freshly poured concrete. Embarassed, I raced for the house frantically holding my summer shorts as the concrete began to set. That wasn't the only shameful thing I have done, but I keenly remember feeling ashamed as I tried to salvage my dignity.

Dick Brogden says, "Shame is directly connected to self-consciousness. We were designed to live God-conscious lives, for there is no shame in Him. It is not so much that God wants us to stop thinking highly or lowly of ourselves—He wants us to not think of ourselves at all but to fix our eyes and attention on Him."

It was hard for me not to be self-conscious that day, but there is greater shame than experiencing a childhood accident. Shame comes when we realize we are sinners and the reality of our guilt overtakes our pride. Shame comes when we try to live a secret life or hide our mistakes. And, it comes when we face conviction on how self-centered we are to the exclusion of others and God. Shame exposes us.

Jesus endured shame for us. He was publicly beaten and humiliated. He hung indecently upon a cross, exposed to blasphemous ridicule. These shameful acts were done to Him, yet the Bible says, "Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame" (Hebrews 12:2). He looked past shame to finished salvation and the restoring of His place beside the throne of God.

Brogden notes, "If Jesus' antidote to shame was the delight of intimacy with the Father, then ours should be the same." This will be key as we grow closer and closer to the Lord's return. "It will become less and less respectable to be a devoted follower of Jesus. Our future guarantees more scorn, more abuse, more disdain, and more shame... not less. We despise shame, not by avoiding it but by ignoring it as we fix our eyes on Jesus. Looking to Jesus clothes us, for when our eyes are fixed on Him, He clothes us with His righteousness. He covers all our shame."

I am reminded of Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit." 

For the shame our Christ endured, we should not shy away, but draw ever closer to Him. And for the promise of forgiveness and shame removed, let us keep our eyes solidly on Him.