GOD'S ULTIMATUM FOR LEADERS

Want to know God's ultimatum for leaders?

Check out Deuteronomy 17:18-20.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (NLT), "When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. 20 This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel."

I like the way it reads in the Message.

"This is what must be done: When he sits down on the throne of his kingdom, the first thing he must do is make himself a copy of this Revelation on a scroll, copied under the supervision of the Levitical priests. 19 That scroll is to remain at his side at all times; he is to study it every day so that he may learn what it means to fear his God, living in reverent obedience before these rules and regulations by following them. 20 He must not become proud and arrogant, changing the commands at whim to suit himself or making up his own versions. If he reads and learns, he will have a long reign as king in Israel, he and his sons."

If I'm reading this right, basically God said, "Good leadership starts here..."

* Read God's Word and transcribe it by hand...

Why did God want these guys to write it down? I believe it's because reading, coupled with the discipline of writing or journaling increases retention and aids in memorization. God wanted people in leadership to "get it" when it comes to His Word.

* Keep the Word of God by your side at all times...

* Study God's Word every day...

* Allow God's Word to shape every aspect of the leader's life...

* Develop a sense of reverential awe for who God is and all that He has done...

* Allow the Word of God to reveal every leader's tendency and propensity to give place to pride and arrogance...

* Keep going back to the Word of God day in and day out...

* Don't just read God's Word, learn to apply it!

A Prayer for Leaders: Oh, God, help all who lead - in every area of life - to read, write, memorize and apply Your Word... May our leadership be characterized by a high regard for Your Word and a deep reverence for who You are... May we never lean on our own understanding, but in all our ways acknowledge You and Your Word... As we read Your Word may we always remember, "You are God and we are not... You're in charge, and we're to follow... You are King and we are Your servants..."


QUESTION: How would this kind of commitment to God's Word change the way leaders "lead"? In government? Family? Business? Church? Life?