Dire consequences will occur if a nation is led by leaders who do not follow God’s ways. There is a need to follow leaders of honor and truth rather than those who manipulate with ulterior motives, hidden meanings, and political games.

Reading today in 1 Kings 12:25-33, we are given a warning for current times. A nation whose leaders depart from God’s ways becomes divided and led astray. They make decision for selfish reasons. We note in today’s passage that Jeroboam departs from God’s ways by setting up idols for worship. He even instituted a festival to offer sacrifices to the golden calves he had made.

Remember that Jeroboam was one of Solomon’s officials who had been put in charge of the labor force. God wanted him to take over Israel after Solomon’s death in order to punish the nation for Solomon’s lack of faithfulness to Him.

Leaders who want to put God aside and worship idols create a nation that is weak allowing adversaries to be raised up against them and their friends. In the words of Paul Harvey, a nation controlled by leaders that want to evict God from the courthouse and schoolhouse becomes a nation controlled by the enemy who is fine with people doing as they please. The people are then consumed with alcohol, drugs, and gambling. The cities are riddled with crime.

Making decisions for selfish reasons will not bring success to a nation but making decisions for what God wants and that help people brings victory for all. As we walk along the path, we have the source of power to push us forward, the Holy Spirit to guide, and grace needed if we get out of alignment. These spiritual resources will create integrity that will lead us to a winning future with blessings beyond what can be imagined.

Lord, You have high standards and that’s a good thing. The first step to meeting these high standards is to know Your Word and to live out each day being guided by the Holy Spirit. Your grace and power will push us forward because of our Savior. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.