Speaking of Leaders - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) August 19, 2022

Exodus 22:28 - “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

The first time I heard a minister discuss this verse, my mouth dropped open. Take a look at the first part of this scripture. Arguably, most of us know not to blaspheme God though unfortunately, many still do so. For instance, there are several common sayings that if we think about them, we'd realize they blaspheme God. May the Lord help us all.

Now, were you aware of the second part of the scripture? Many of us have no idea that the Lord instructed His people not to curse or insult rulers/leaders/people in authority. It is so common nowadays, we neither blink when we do it nor when others do it. Yet that doesn't change the fact that Believers have been called to speak carefully about leaders. Miriam, Moses' sister, learned this lesson (Numbers 12). She posed a question that would be considered innocent and valid nowadays. Not something worthy of punishment. She asked whether God only spoke through Moses and not through her other brother, Aaron, and herself. Her comment questioned God's choice of leader. For this insolence, God almost killed her, but Moses interceded and she ended up with temporary leprosy instead.

Don't think this only happened because Moses was a genuine servant of the Lord. Don't think you're excused to insult your boss or someone else in a position of authority because that person is a horrible person. In the New Testament, even Apostle Paul apologized for criticizing a man who turned out to be a spiritual and political leader (Acts 23). If you read what he'd said prior to retracting his statement, you'll realize he spoke nothing but the truth. Yet, he chose to submit to the word of God rather than be right.

So, how can we ever manage not to be critical of leaders? We live in a world where leaders take advantage of those they are supposed to be working for. Politicians steal and tell untruths, corporate leaders deprive employees of fair wages to fill their pockets, and religious leaders prey on their congregation, to name a few issues. The poor get poorer and the underprivileged feel they can't dig themselves out of the hole. These things are clearly wrong. However, would you believe me if I said God knew all of this would happen and He still told us to be careful how we talk about leaders?

It is better to identify the issue and focus on that, not the person who has the issue. Jesus Himself applied this approach. He never accused those who came to Him with problems. Instead, He addressed the spirit depriving them, and those around them, of the goodness in life that God had for them. Thus, it wasn't about accusing a promiscuous woman or a deaf man of their sinful past, it was all about violently kicking out the spirit causing the disease. If a leader displays greed or lack of compassion, we should pray that God will heal them of these issues. Prayer will always be our mightiest weapon.

We should identify the godly qualities leaders need and ask God to transform them. We should consider the issues preventing godly leadership and pray for those strongholds to fall. We must use the word of God to pray for godly leaders and be careful how we use our words regarding these people. Leaders, like you and I, were made by God and are His workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Let us, therefore, be careful to not be overly critical and thereby question God's works. We must remember satan has a way of warping people's minds, infecting them with pride, greed and other sinful habits. Just as the Lord continues to help us to become better, we should extend grace as well as pray that He helps others as He's helping us. Further, God had prophets He used to criticize and discipline leaders who erred. Ask yourself, has God called you to that ministry? If not, please consider being careful what you say about people in authority.

May the Lord help us to be careful what we say, not just about ourselves, but also about others including leaders and ordinary individuals. May our lips speak and breathe life. May we praise the Lord so we can wield our praises as double-edged swords that execute the word of God over situations to the glory of the Almighty. That we may enjoy the fullness of God's goodness in our lives, IJMN, Amen.

PS: If P&P starts a little late on my side, please forgive me as I may be on the road. Don't hesitate to get started without me! I'll be sure to check in the moment I can. God bless you!