In Step

John 14:⁶ “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Our heavenly Father is a perfect example of love, wisdom, and sufficiency. He says, “I Am that I Am – I Am sufficient in Myself” and we should follow His example.

For some of us, the reality is that our parents are not worthy but God is asking us to just honour them. Note that God is not saying pretend to honour them when they are not worthy. God is just saying honour them regardless.Saul was a bad leader and a horrible father. He threw a javelin at his son [1Sam.20:³³]; what kind of father does that? It is abuse! Saul was chasing David all over the place. David had recurring opportunities to kill Saul but he did not. Instead, he cut part of Saul’s skirt as proof that he came this close enough but he spared Saul’s life.

Even when David’s warriors wanted to end Saul’s life, David refused. David said in 1 Samuel 26:⁹ “No!” David said. “Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord’s anointed one?” At this point, Saul was already backslidden but David still did not change his position of honouring Saul. Even when he cut Saul’s skirt, David felt really bad. Meanwhile, a lot of people will say, “Saul, fall down and die!” That is not the Spirit of Christ. Choose to see it this way; an unworthy parent is unable to give what they do not have. Many parents cannot give love, sufficiency, and wisdom because they do not have it.

When a parent [leader] is being hurtful, just know that he or she is actually hurting too. Be compassionate because hurting people hurt people. And rather than being angry, you should actually pity them. Do not get angry; instead look to God for your healing, for your direction, for love, wisdom and sufficiency.

You may have suffered from an abusive authority figure; but today, God wants you to know that He is better than him or her. Please open your heart to God for healing. If you are the one that has been an abusive parent [leader], you need to start by asking God for forgiveness and then asking the people for forgiveness. If your desire is to be a good leader [parent, spouse], the starting point is committing your life to God, know God, and then you can represent God.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me lead each day by following You, in Jesus Name. Amen!