1 Kings 18.5-6
“And Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go through the land to all the springs of water and to all the valleys. Perhaps we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, and not lose some of the animals.” So they divided the land between them to pass through it. Ahab went in one direction by himself, and Obadiah went in another direction by himself.”
Leadership and its impact on society will be a recurring theme throughout our study of the life of Elijah. The culture of a nation (or team, school, business, family) starts with the character of the leaders. The heart of the nation will be shaped by the character of its leaders.
This passage reveals Ahab’s leadership focus and priority during the drought. Ahab gave no thought to God; he did not repent of his idolatry; he gave no thought to the welfare of his people; instead he sought to save his horses and mules.
This is the heart of a cruel and godless man. This is a king who sought his own interest, and not the interest of his people. This is an arrogant, self-absorbed political leader living in rebellion against God.
Tragically, there are many self-oriented “leaders” today. They pursue idols, seek their own interest, are blind to the needs of people, and are tone deaf to the truth of God. When the character of a leader is untethered from God and his truth, trouble will inevitably follow.
Christians in positions of leadership are called to exercise that leadership with great care for people and deep commitment to God and his kingdom. Leaders with a heart of wisdom and courage. Leaders who have the character to do what is right and the competence to produce results. Leaders of great strength and even greater humility.
Leadership begins in the heart. As goes your heart, so goes your leadership. Your heart will serve and submit to something, so make sure your heart is submitted to God and not self.
Jesus said: “Be careful what you treasure, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” If you treasure something, it means that thing has captured your heart. It owns you. It directs you. Therefore, submit your heart fully to the lordship of Christ. Submit everything to him; hold nothing back.
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5.5.-6)
More on the heart of a leader tomorrow …
Coram Deo
