Here I Stand

“Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these, I will make it right.” (1 Samuel 12:3 NIV84)

In this verse, the prophet Samuel is “old and grey”. He’s lived a life of adventure in God and stands before those he has led. I love the fact that he’s able to openly ask the people he has served as a prophet the searching questions above.

In essence he’s saying “I haven’t taken from you; I’ve given to you. I haven’t cheated, lied, manipulated, abused my authority or favour in any way. I’ve honesty discharged my duty, and before God today, I know I am clean”.

Perhaps your desire today is to be a successful leader, an admired leader, a recognised leader. Perhaps it is to be a “Gift”, or gifted person, who has been used, fruitful, impactful, remembered.

All those desires can be good, but they are also fraught with potential, prideful, deceptions. I believe it is far more important to be a pure leader. A clean leader. A non-abusive leader. Someone who has not revelled in their position, but rather served faithfully, obediently, secretly, leaving all the trappings of perceived success to God and His perfect Faithfulness.

Leader, believer – live clean today. Repent easily, apologise honestly, lead lovingly, forgive whole heartedly.