When a Leader Sins

Scripture:

I Kings 14:16  "And he will give Israel up because of the sins Jeroboam has committed and has caused Israel to commit".

Observation:

I see here that the sins of the king were not only personal, but because he was the leader, his sins affected the whole nation.  God gave Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam.  Because of his sin, the whole nation was judged.  He was blamed for cause all Israel to sin because he built the altars to other gods.

Application:

Jeroboam didn't force people to sin.  He simply gave them an option of worshiping other gods and the whole nation was judged because of it.  He wasn't demanding that people sin, they still had a choice, but giving the the option brought punishment upon them.  As leaders, our sin affect everyone around us.  When a leader sins, it has larger results.  Leaders must be careful because what they do affect those under their leadership.

Prayer:

Father, walk with me day by day and never let me stray away from You or take You for granted.  Help me to lean in closer each day and learn of You.  I want to live a life worth living and that makes an eternal impact for good and for You.

Your Son,

Jeff