God-centered leader

DEVOTION

PROVERBS

GOD-CENTERED LEADER

Prov 28:16

16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment, but he who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life.

NIV

This would seem to be directed to the affairs of governing. It would have applied to the times of kings and emperors during the period of the Old Testament. It can apply to our times as well specifically in those countries who have tyrannical rulers, dictators and oppressive rulers who even commit crimes such as ethnic cleansing. We might even be able to apply this principle in our country with the oppressive use of taxes to support the abundant life of the rulers and to increase their power. A ruler or government that lacks proper judgement, that wants more of itself is bond to fall at some point in time. We have seen the fall of the Roman rule. We have seen the fall of some of the evil rulers in the past such as Adolf Hitler or Stalin. We have seen evil men who ruled ruthlessly lose their power by being overthrown either by their own military or as in the case of the Revolutionary War, by the people, against the tyrannical rule of England over the Colonies. We might also see this in the sense of a company and its employees. An unjust employer cares only for the bottom line, not really concerned about the people in his or her employ. We might see this as applying to the church. Some, what we would call false prophets surely are ruling the church for ill-gotten gain. They rule with charm and deceit in order to improve their own lives. Surely their lives will be cut short. But could we apply this to the family structure. The head of the household could be seen as the ruler. If this head of the household lacks judgment, wants everything for self, seeks the family as a means to support their rule, perhaps their life be shortened. If the head of the household thrives on power, seeks after wealth for their own personal gain, not living for the sake of the family, their lives will not be an enjoyable one and may well not be a long one either. However, those who hate ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long life. That is he who strives for the things of God. That is the head of the household lives to serve their family, of course, right after God. Yet in serving God, they must serve their family. This is done by living under the protection and guidance of God. This is having proper judgment. The rightful standing before God brings a right standing in the family. No tyrant is respected, whether they be the government or the head of a household. Their rule will come to an end. But the one who lives for his people, whether in government or in the family will enjoy a long life. The opposite of ill-gotten gain, or plunder, unjust gain is honest endeavors, generosity, compassion, concern for those who they are responsible for and accountable to God for. Because a ruler in government is accountable to God, we can be sure no long life, no eternal life, will be extended to the tyrant. Could we be as bold to think this would also apply in the family structure? The head of the household must first seek the kingdom of God, and his direction, but must also care for not only the material well-being of the family, but the spiritual well-being. This brings not only long life to the head of the household but to the whole family. Let us always restrain any esteem for greed, for ill-gotten gain, or plunder. Let us always be running the race in faith, leading with honesty and integrity for the benefit of all God has given us responsibility for. Let us be a God-centered leader.