Leadership Consequences

Leadership Consequences

Hook
What if your greatest leadership success becomes your greatest failure at home?

If you were a merchant selling good examples, would your children buy from you?

Scripture

“But his sons didn't take after him; they were out for what they could get for themselves, taking bribes, corrupting justice.”(1 Samuel 8:3)

“Samuel gave solid leadership to Israel his entire life. Every year he went on a circuit from Bethel to Gilgal to Mizpah.”(1 Samuel 7:15–16)

Explanation

Samuel gave solid leadership to Israel, but his sons did not take after him.

The Bible does not say Samuel was an absentee father. However, we know that his leadership required him to travel regularly between Bethel, Gilgal and Mizpah. In those days, travelling was slow and demanding.

Could it be that while Samuel was faithfully leading Israel, his sons did not receive enough of his presence and influence at home?

We cannot state this as fact, but it gives us a sobering lesson:

You can be highly influential in public and still have little influence at home.

Samuel's sons pursued personal gain, taking bribes and corrupting justice. They saw their father's leadership, but somehow it did not rub off on them.

Application

If God has entrusted you with significant influence, don't allow your assignment to make you unavailable to your children.

Your children don't only need your provision; they need your presence.

They need to see the values you teach lived out in your daily life—especially while they are young, when character and values are being formed.

Don't give the world your best and leave your family with what is left.

Reflection

Can I be so available to everyone else that I become unavailable to the people God has entrusted to me at home?

Your greatest leadership legacy may not be what you build publicly, but who your children become because they watched you live.

Prayer

Father, help me to lead well, not only in public but also at home. Give me wisdom to balance my assignments with my responsibility to my children. Let my life be an example they can follow. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Discussion Question

What practical change can you make to become more present and intentional in leading your children?

Have a fruitful day.

(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro

(aka Dr. Lift)

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