The fear of God is the foundation for developing a godly character. I believe the leadership crisis we are facing today in America is really a crisis of character. There never has been a time in our history when we had perfect leaders. But the difference today is that many "leaders" deny there is anyone to whom they are accountable. The result: Arrogance, being above the law and outright deceit all mark many of our political, civic and spiritual leaders. All of this is because men no longer fear God, and they are convinced they can get away with most anything. If we aren't accountable for our lives to God then why be accountable to our fellow man for our actions today?
Exodus 18:21 points out that fearing God is a prerequisite for leadership. Moses has been taking care of the children of Israel when Jethro, his father-in-law, says, "Moses, you are going to wear yourself out, and your family, too. You're going to wear the nation of Israel out" (see v. 18). From sunrise to bedtime, people were lined up to see Moses about civil disputes and leadership problems because Moses had the corner on truth. He was a candidate for dying of a heart attack.
So Jethro, in verse 21, gives Moses some advice that saves Moses' life: "Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens."
Why did he prescribe leaders like that? You had to trust them. No bribes here. No compromise with darkness.
What would happen in Washington if our leaders there practiced the fear of God? What about the leaders in your church? And what about the leaders of your home?
We need to learn to fear God.
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