IT'S ME, NOT YOU
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 6-10

"Samuel was very upset with their request and went to the Lord for advice. Do as they say, the Lord replied, for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer." 1 Samuel 8:6-7 NLT

The people had just asked Samuel for a king. A king like the nations around them had. A king that would rule over them, but not necessarily leave them convicted about their disobedience to God.

Samuel was hurt. He had taken his role seriously. He knew the importance of speaking God into the lives of those he ministered to. He knew the harm that would come with a king.

It was with these emotions that he went to the Lord for advice.

And God told him it wasn't about him.

It wasn't about him at all.

God went on to explain to Samuel that this issue had to do with the hearts of the people, not the popularity or likeability of their judge, Samuel.

The same is true today.

Godly, Bible teaching, Christian leaders--it's about their walk with the Lord, not your favored status.

Parents of prodigals--it's more about their hearts, not your inadequacies or errors in parenting.

Struggling churches--it's about waiting for God to convict hearts, not for you to come up with a grander attendance rally idea.

We, the leaders, the parents, the church folks, are the visible, tangible, tactile representatives of God. The ones who will face the brunt of the issues at hand. The ones who will receive tongue lashings. The ones on whom so many feel their opinions need to fall upon. The ones who take offense so easily when our feelings are hurt.

But always remember--it's God, not you, they are truly struggling with!