WATCH OUT FOR LEADERS WITH A CONNIVING SPIRIT (Part 2) – THE SIN OF REFUSING TO BE TRAINED AS A LEADER

Today The American author, speaker, and pastor John Calvin Maxwell who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way."

Speaking about leadership development, Maxwell says, "The single biggest way to impact an organization is to focus on leadership development. There is almost no limit to the potential of an organization that recruits good people, raises them up as leaders and continually develops them."

To help us understand this truth of the downward spiral of would-be leaders, let us look at Achan. The pen of inspiration says, “The sin of one man caused Israel to be beaten before the enemy. Something more than prayer was required. They were to get up and cleanse the camp of Israel.”

Today’s message is based upon Joshua, chapter seven. In Joshua 7:12, it says, “Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” Looking at Joshua seven, “Have you considered why it was that all who were connected with Achan were also subjects of the punishment of God? The answer is, "It was because they had not been trained and educated according to the directions given them in the great standard of the law of God.”

 Chan Master Fuchan Yuan says, “There are three essentials to leadership: humility, clarity and courage." Achan was lacking these qualities. "His parents had educated their son in such a way that he felt free to disobey the Word of the Lord; the principles inculcated in his life led him to deal with his children in such a way that they also were corrupted. The punishment to be followed by God reveals the fact that all were involved in the transgression.”

“The history of Achan teaches the solemn lesson that for one man's sin the displeasure of God will rest upon a people or a nation till the transgression is searched out and punished. Sin is corrupting in its nature. One man infected with its deadly leprosy may communicate the taint to thousands. Those who occupy responsible positions as guardians of the people are false to their trust if they do not faithfully search out and reprove sin…” 

“Leadership is the capacity to translate a vision into reality." By Warren Bennis. But whenever a leader is infested with sin, their vision dim, and they are no longer able to translate a vision into a reality.  

My friend, as it is said, “The love of God will never lead to the belittling of sin; it will never cover or excuse an unconfessed wrong.... It has to do with all our acts and thoughts and feelings. It follows us, and reaches every secret spring of action. By indulgence in sin, men are led to lightly regard the law of God. Many conceal their transgressions from their fellow men, and flatter themselves that God will not be strict to mark iniquity. But His law is the great standard of right, and with it every act of life must be compared on that day when God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. Let us remember, “Purity of heart will lead to purity of life. All excuses for sin are vain. Who can plead for the sinner when God testifies against him?”

Today the invitation to all is, Come to God just as you are. Cast yourself wholly on His mercy, and see that there is no difficulty that cannot be surmounted in His strength. As leaders that are willing to be led by the spirit of the Living God, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." By Ralph Waldo Emerson. Enjoy the day before you and smile. Blessings, Blessings, Blessing

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By GARDEN MINISTRY - Chaplain Kevin J.T. Santucci