What Not To Be As a Leader

1 Kings 21:1-29; 1 Kings 22:1-35

In today’s reading, we have a painted picture of the leadership of Ahab and Jezebel. Have you ever wondered why Ahab and Jezebel had to always be so manipulating? The answer is revealed when Ahab goes down to visit Naboth who has a vineyard right next to Ahab’s palace. Because the vineyard was right next to the palace, Ahab wanted that vineyard for himself. So, he tries to persuade Naboth to give him that particular vineyard in exchange for a better vineyard. Naboth declared, “The LORD forbids that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!”

Ahab and Jezebel had to manipulate people because they couldn’t move them. They couldn’t move people because they only cared for themselves and set out with selfish motives in order to build their own kingdom. They would use people just to get ahead, at any cost. When they didn’t get their way, they would pout and complain. Just as Ahab did when Naboth refused his offer, "he went home, lying on the bed, complaining and refusing to eat" (1Kings 21:4). This is what not to be as a leader!

We are the body of Christ, and if you are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, you have an anointing. With an anointing, you are a leader in some form, whether you realize it or not. Therefore, we must be leaders who have charisma; leaders who think about the concerns of others before thinking of themselves. God has already planted charisma in us all, so as a leader, you must be willing to pour it out on others. After all, it’s all about the love of Jesus Christ. What is love? Love is putting others before yourself.