Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 10
If you will be good to this people and please them and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever. (2 Chronicles 10.7)
Devotional Thought: The truck was unloaded and I needed to return it to Budget. It was Saturday evening, and the dealership was closed. I happily left the truck in the lot and the keys in the drop box. I was not made to be a truck driver! I called Budget Monday morning. "Is everything OK?" "No, Mr. Wade there is a problem with the fuel. It wasn't returned full." I tried to explain to that the agent on the other end had told me there was a problem with the gauge, but I didn't seem to be getting anywhere. I was growing frustrated and defensive. It was clear that I needed to make a trip to Budget to straighten things out!
When I got to Budget I was ready for a fight. The agent immediately put me off guard by his kind and helpful demeanor. I cooled down immediately and we resolved the situation without an argument. That agent knew that an effective leader was good to people. He won me over. I left without an "aftertaste," and I am a loyal customer now. If I ever have to rent a truck again (which I hope I won't!), I'll go to Budget.
Rehoboam's advisors tried to convince him of the same key to leadership - be good to people and they will be "loyal customers" forever. Rehoboam, sadly, was too young and too full of himself to follow their advice, and a civil war resulted. The sad thing is that it didn't need to be that way. A little kindness and wisdom would have won the day.
Today, you will come across situations primed for an argument. Instead of responding harshly, try a little kindness. You'll be amazed at how the situation will change.
Prayer: Lord, may I have the attitude of Christ, showing kindness and respect to those I encounter today. Help me to remember the key to leadership - to be good to people and to speak good words to them. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 63:6-11
6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
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