“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the
wicked shall fall by calamity." Proverbs 24:16 NKJV
Devotion Four, 4th July, 2025.
Like
anyone else, no leader is perfect, and only Jesus Christ is without flaws.
Moses had his shortcomings in leadership, but he never gave up. Peter fell off
the ladder, yet he recognised his weaknesses rather than remaining in failure,
and he became great again.
Building
on this foundation, we see that leadership involves learning from past
mistakes. The Bible says, “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise
again…” This shows that falling is not an excuse but a chance for reawakening
that a leader should embrace.
Given
this understanding, leaders should not remain in their state of failure,
mistakes, or sin to the point that those they lead grumble. Instead, they
should be able to immediately retreat to apologize to cleanse the messes they
had committed. They should avoid the spirit of Judas Iscariot, who fell by
calamity.
To
illustrate this principle, let's examine examples of some contemporary great
leaders who made mistakes but used them to accomplish great things for people.
We've learned from American President Abraham Lincoln, who failed several times
but ultimately became one of the most praised leaders in history. Jimmy
Swaggart, an American televangelist who passed away on 1st July 2025, had
fallen into sin many times, but there are study Bibles donated in his name—that
exemplifies leadership.
In
conclusion, leadership is never truly effective until a mistake is made and
corrected. As a believer or a leader, we may be vulnerable to mistakes, but let
those errors serve as a learning opportunity to move forward on our journey. God
is worthy and sovereign in all his dealings with you. You are not the first to
make mistakes, nor will you be the last, but never let them become a permanent
part of your life or leadership.
Take
time to reflect on your own life and leadership. What mistakes have you made,
and how can you learn from them? Pray and ask God to help you learn from your
mistakes and rise above them.
As
you go about your day, remember that mistakes are not the end of the road but
rather a stepping-stone to greatness. Will you take the first step today to
learn from your mistakes and rise above them? Let God's grace and mercy guide
you as you strive to become a better leader and
servant of the Lord.
Dear Lord of Hosts,
In
your supremacy and sovereignty, I long and trust. Help me, oh God, to learn
from mistakes but never abide in them as I lead your people. May I be an
instrument of change for your children and glory in Your name.
Amen.
Abunerry
