Good morning. It’s a new month—Thursday, June 1, 2023. Today, we begin with a tough lesson, but none more relevant than this one. Leadership in schools and government is far from ideal. Yet, Paul tells us in Romans to stay true under authority. To use the old farmer’s slang, "Good leaders are about as rare as hen’s teeth." So, how do you navigate these times? Daniel also lived under ungodly leaders, yet he influenced his generation, so much so that God dedicated a whole book to his life. Is it possible? How would Daniel unpack today’s verse? Read on...
Today's Reading:
Proverbs 19,20,21; Romans 13
Scripture
“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” (Romans 13:1)
Observation
Paul speaks in Romans about coming under authority, but what if that authority is ungodly? Today, Daniel will be our special guest. His life is a clear example of how to function under poor leadership. I wish all leaders were good, virtuous, and wise decision-makers. Unfortunately, those kinds are rare today. So how shall we live?
Application
Here are a few Daniel-sized lessons...
- What happens in your house is far more important than what happens in the White House. Daniel’s life and faith remained consistent despite living under ungodly leaders. Mentoring begins at home and is exemplified by parents. Remember... the issue is not whether the authority is doing a good job. More importantly, the issue is whether you are doing a good job.
- Teaching our children cannot be surrendered to our educational system. Don't abdicate the instruction of your children. If your school system is poor, get engaged; meet the principal and voice your perspective. If not, you can homeschool or send them to a private school with moral teachers... just don't moan and then do nothing. It is true that "Bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Cor. 15:33). Don't let the world have the last word. Let it be God.
- Check your motives. Daniel served God and influenced the future of his country, even under poor leaders. God's plan for redemption was fulfilled even under Roman occupation and corrupt religious leaders. In fact, God can even use a leader's immaturity and wrong ideas to advance His plans. (God may be using the situation today to motivate parents to get more involved with their own children!)
Prayer
Dear Father, I want to be used by You the way Daniel was. He never bemoaned inadequate leaders and did nothing. Instead, he lived his faith out loud, assessed his own life, let his light shine, brought creative solutions, and trusted You for the outcome. We have seen poor leaders come and go, but when the dust settled, Your plans and promises have always remained. You are the One who turns the tables. You are the One who brings revival out of pain. So, I’m sticking with You and Your plans for this generation.
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