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Day Seventy-Six

Leadership That Heals a Nation (Read Proverbs 28:1-7)

28 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
    but the godly are as bold as lions.

2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
    But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

3 A poor person who oppresses the poor
    is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;
    to obey the law is to fight them.

5 Evil people don't understand justice,
    but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

6 Better to be poor and honest
    than to be dishonest and rich.

7 Young people who obey the law are wise;
    those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.[a]

Footnotes

  1. 28:7 Hebrew their father.

Reflection

This proverb reveals a profound truth about the power of leadership and its impact on a nation's well-being. The verse contrasts corrupt leadership's effects with wise and knowledgeable leaders, showing the difference between a nation in turmoil and a nation at peace.

Every couple of years, it's time to vote for something, e.g., a candidate, bill, bond issue, proposition, etc. Behind each of these candidates or action items comes the question of integrity. Can we trust the candidate and their party to be honest and have our best interests at heart? In good faith, can we confidently vote for or against a particular bill or another action item, trusting that it's legit and in the best interests of everyone, including the wounded, excluded, and suffering?

"The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office." ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower

The Consequence of Corruption

Proverbs 28:2 begins with a stark warning: "When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily." Corruption at the top leads to instability throughout the nation. When leaders are more concerned with their gain than with the welfare of those they serve, the very fabric of society begins to unravel. Trust erodes, justice falters, and the people suffer. This truth applies not only to nations but also to any community or organization. Where there is moral decay, there is instability.

If we are honest, we don't fully trust any candidates, bills, propositions, or other action items on the ballot, including those candidates and initiatives inside our own party. We struggle to trust the process because of our own facades and selfishness.

As I produced this devotional, Netflix released a documentary about sign-stealing in sports titled "Watch Untold: Sign Stealer." How deeply do you trust the owners, front offices, general managers, coaches, or referees in sports? How quickly do conspiracy theories and accusations start when your team loses, or there are allegations of stealing signs, doping, or traitors? In 19th century America, it was a staple of Sunday morning sermons: "As one bad apple spoils the others, so you must show no quarter to sin or sinners." This means that finding one culprit in a group should make you suspicious of everybody else.

The Power of Wise Leadership

However, the verse doesn't leave us in despair. It points to the remedy: "But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability." Leaders guided by wisdom and integrity, seeking knowledge and understanding, are healing consolation to a nation. They bring stability, justice, and peace. Their leadership fosters trust, encourages righteousness, and sets a foundation for a country to thrive.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams

Leadership That Reflects God's Heart

God calls His people to be leaders who reflect His heart—leaders who value justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). When we embrace these values, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, we contribute to the stability and healing of the world around us. Our influence, no matter how small it seems, can be a part of God's more extraordinary work of restoring and healing. God provides a model of kingdom leadership in Psalm 72. A model that should apply at every leadership level, especially when leading a nation.

"When God calls you to something, He is not always calling you to succeed; He's calling you to obey! The success of the calling is up to Him; the obedience is up to you." ~ David Wilkerson

A Call to Prayer and Action

As followers of Jesus, God calls us to pray for our leaders and strive to be wise and knowledgeable in our spheres of influence. Pray that God will raise up leaders who are committed to righteousness and justice. And let us each seek to lead in ways that bring healing and stability, reflecting the wisdom and love of Jesus to everyone around us.

Reflection Questions:

  • In what areas of your life are you called to be a leader?
  • How can you cultivate wisdom and knowledge to help stabilize those around you?
  • When in your schedule, will you make time to pray for the leaders in your nation, asking God to grant them wisdom and integrity?

Next Steps:

We must be the leaders who heal and help create stability, bringing God's peace and justice to a needy world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

I come before You today, acknowledging the power and importance of righteous leadership. Your Word reminds us that instability follows a nation when it's filled with corruption, but when wise and knowledgeable leaders rise, they bring stability and peace.

Lord, I pray for my community, country, and worldwide leaders. Grant them wisdom, integrity, and a heart that seeks after Your righteousness. May they lead with justice, compassion, and a deep commitment to the well-being of those they serve.

Father, where there is moral decay and corruption, I ask for Your intervention. Bring about change through Your Spirit's power, and raise leaders who reflect Your values and heart for justice. Heal our land, Lord, and restore stability for lost people.  

In my own life, please help me be a person of integrity and wisdom, whether in leadership or service. Guide me in making decisions that honor You and bring peace and stability to those around me. Let my life be a reflection of Your love and truth.

Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. I trust in Your perfect will and timing.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.