Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife incited him … “Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the evil in his days, but I will bring the evil upon his house in his son’s days.”
1 Kings 21:25, 29
Humility, contrition, and confession are hallmarks of repentance. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel have gone down in history as the worst leaders Israel has known. God uses them as a cautionary tale of what leaders should not do when in power. But then God uses Ahab’s act of humility after He proclaims judgment to show Elijah what grabs His heart. Ahab then received mercy from God, even though his behavior was wicked.
Humility attracts the heart of God. Some of the greatest growth cycles in my life have followed failures. What makes growth possible after a mistake or failure? Taking responsibility and embracing your role in what led to the failure. While it may be human nature to pass the buck, it’s God’s nature to handle the heart. God can’t work with a stubborn heart, but He will gravitate toward one that is malleable. Leaders who are quick to admit wrong when confronted can move forward vs. leaders who run from humility that must spend their time covering up their mistakes.
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- Are there areas of uncomfortableness God has sent people to confront you in?
- Why is humility in the heart of a leader so important to God?
- When leaders lack humility, what are the consequences?
While it may be human nature to pass the buck, it’s God’s nature to handle the heart.
