September 19th

Leadership at Work and Home

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs 29:1

Some people go to state school. Some people go to community college. Some go to Ivy League schools. Some don't go at all.

But then there are those people who get their degree from SHK. Do you know what that one is? The School of Hard Knocks, where you know someone's enrollment status by whether or not they have figured out how to stop getting lumps on their head.

All of us know someone who has attended this unfortunate school, and many of us spent some time there as well. But what God wants to help us avoid is a hardening of our hearts that keeps us from learning when we are disciplined and rebuked.

A good example for us to look at to better understand our verse is King Saul. You see, King Saul was someone who hardened his neck when he was rebuked. No matter how much or how sternly Samuel warned him, Saul continued to insist on doing things his own way. Finally, Samuel makes the big confrontation, delivering this whopper of a line: For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry (1 Samuel 15:23).

Did you catch that? Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Now, this is huge, because within the home, especially with kids, you're eventually going to be challenged regarding your leadership. In fact, there are quite a few people who would say, Well, rebellion is just part of adolescence. And, here we know from scripture that this is an absolute lie.

No, rebellion isn't just part of growing up. Stubbornness isn't just a part of growing up. You shouldn't expect these things from your children any more than you would expect them to worship demons or bow down to statues. Instead, expect godliness!

So what do you do if your children act rebelliously? First of all, repent for allowing it just because society tells us to expect it. Second, you probably don't want to read this devotional to them. I don't think that will help you. However, what will help you is that you simply continue to pursue the Lord, asking Him to help you live His love and godliness as a living example of Him to your kids.

In other words, make sure there's no rebellion in you, then let your example set the standard for your home. Let your leadership be first seen, and then heard. Let it first be in your heart, so that it may then spread to the hearts of your children.

Prayer Father God,

Thank You that You know how to be a good parent! I need to learn from You, so please teach me. Help me to be right before You so that I may lead as You lead!

Amen