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Leading from Maturity
Tim Savage29“My father has made trouble for us all!” Jonathan exclaimed. “A command like that only hurts us. See how refreshed I am now that I have eaten this little bit of honey.30If the men had been allowed to eat freely from the food they found among our enemies, think how many more Philistines we could have killed!”1 Samuel 14
Impetuous (adjective) 1. Acting impulsively.Rash.Hasty.Hotheaded.Unthinking.
Although Jonathan’s stunt of only he and his armor bearer challenging so many Philistines appeared reckless, he consulted God before they engaged the enemy.Because God approved of Jonathan’s plan they lit the match that started a huge fire of the totally improbable massacre of the Philistine army.Jonathan was impetuous, but he asked for God’s approval.Saul was also impetuous by making a decree that his men eat nothing until evening after he had full revenge on the Philistines.Saul’s command came out of immaturity and he didn’t consult the Lord.His rash and impulsive decision cost him an even more decisive victory and almost cost him his son’s life.
Saul is an example of an immature leader who made hasty decisions without thinking about the consequences.He acted out of pride, not Godly humility and direction.As I lead others I must seek God’s instruction and guidance.I have a tendency to letting pride color my decisions; it seeps in covers me so quickly and quietly that I don’t know it’s there until it’s too late.I must guard against it daily.I must lead with others in mind and care deeply about them, not just about what they can do for me.Saul’s immaturity cost him dearly and nearly had his son killed for a foolish reason.I want God to lead me as I lead others.I must look to Him daily, even several times a day in order to lead well.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to follow You.Please correct my walk to Your path.I ask for guidance and direction, wisdom and discernment to lead Your people well.
In Jesus name,
Amen
