December 7
Scripture of the day: "My covenant with him (Levi) was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. True instruction was in his mouth and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many back from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi ... So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction." Malachi 2:5-9
Thought of the day: Good leaders are like Levi. They have a covenant call from God. They revere Him ... and are in awe of His name. Their teaching is true ... imparting knowledge of the Word. Their words and lives are righteous. And they turn many back to God. Bad leaders have turned away from God's ways. Their teaching causes others to stumble. They have violated their call. And they teach with partiality.
Challenge of the day: The Lord's work needs leaders ... good leaders who are called by God to serve. Leaders who teach fall under a stricter judgment, James 3:1. A good leader's life and words are consistent with the Word. Good leaders turn many back to the Lord ... calling believers and nonbelievers to repentance. And without partiality, they teach the easy and difficult passages ... the comforting and challenging ones. What kind of leader are you following? And if you are you a leader ... are you like Levi?
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