On the historycollection.com website there is the title, “From Hero to Zero: 20 of the biggest falls from grace in history.” It goes on to tell the story of people initially admired who in one way or other “fell from grace” and their lives ended in tragedy. The result for many such people (and those they led) is as Proverbs 28:28 and 29:2 describes it:
When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;
but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. (28:28)
When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
when the wicked rule, the people groan. (29:2)
How many times have you seen on the TV news people rejoicing after the toppling of a tyrannical dictator. Even destroying traces of that one’s memory such as statues, etc.
In my last Post we considered the positive attributes of good leaders. Today we shall consider the negative attributes that cause the people [to go] into hiding and/or the people [to] groan. They don’t paint a pretty picture, but sadly describe people we may know or at least have read about:
Being proud, self-willed and unteachable: 1 Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
Greedy and self-centred: 4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but those who are greedy for bribes tear it down.
No concern for the vulnerable and needy: 7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
Violent and full of hatred for what/who is good: 10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
Impulsive, lacking self-control and hot-tempered: 11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
Easily influenced by evil and lacking discernment: 12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
Fearing the opinions of people rather than having a fear of and trust in God: 25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Of course, there is no leader who is perfect, and even the greatest of leaders may fail.
The Old Testament is full of stories of leaders (kings, prophets, priests).
Some started good, had their moments of going astray (like most of us) but served faithfully all of their lives, ending well. For example, King David, who despite his failures, God testified concerning him: I have found David… a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do. (Acts 13:22)
Some started well but sadly went astray during their lives and ended badly. As the saying goes and is sadly too true, “Power corrupts and absolute power absolutely corrupts.” For example, King Saul who feared man rather than God, disobeying Him and was killed in war. It is in David’s lament after Saul’s and his son’s deaths that David says:“How the mighty have fallen!” (2 Samuel 1:27)
Then in the New Testament we have the remarkable story of Saul of Tarsus who began as a Pharisee who persecuted the Christians who boldly proclaimed the death and resurrection of Jesus to the people. Then in Acts 9:1-6 we read:
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
This dramatic intervention in Saul’s life changed everything, even his name to Paul. The persecutor became the persecuted as he became a key man in the purposes of God to share the good news of Jesus amongst both Jews and Gentiles in the then known world.
So, let me finish with one last verse from Proverbs 29 which suggests one last attribute that, if lacking in a leader, can well be devastating for them and their followers. It is when a leader has no vision of God’s plan and purpose for them and their people into the future. Verse 18 says:
18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. (NIV)
The Amplified Version puts it:
18 Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]—blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.
The result of the lack of this attribute is that the people perish, including the leader. The alternative is so much more desirable, and it is for the one who fears the Lord and acts upon His Word. Then concerning him/her and his/her people, they will be blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable).
What sort of a leader are you? What sort of a leader are you following?
Worship and Wisdom - Psalms and Proverbs 