Our nation is at a crossroads where gender confusion has been normalized while the institution of marriage has been redefined. Moreover, the ugly and hateful acts of racism and discrimination are being hidden under the guise of generalizations that appear to neutralize its current effect upon society. As was prophesied through Scripture, there would be wars and rumors of wars, nation against nation, and people-group against people-group. The whole of society, as well as individuals, must make choices as to which path they will choose. Decisions are not made arbitrarily, and the path taken is based on who one chooses to follow.  Subsequently, leadership is of utmost importance since we are being led to a destination based on the choices that we make. It has been said by many that you get to make your own choices, but you do not get to choose the consequences of the choices that you make. The natural disasters along with global climate of unsettled disturbances are interconnected. What is happening around us are but reflections of what is happening within the souls of humanity. When those who lead follow the course of this world system, especially those who had been chosen by God to be salt and light to this generation, disaster is soon to follow. It is the transgressions of spiritual leaders that hand their congregants over to the will of Satan to do whatever he pleases. These are the wolves in sheep’s clothing that work as emissaries for the evil one. As Joshua admonished the people to “choose this day who you will serve,” we are admonished to choose this day who we will allow to lead us. The character of the leader is important as none are perfect, but all must commit to a perfect standard.

There is a difference between a transgressor and the sinner. Eve was deceived because she had only heard God’s instructions from and through her husband. However, Adam was not deceived. He received his instructions directly from God, yet he chose to disobey God having a motive that overruled what he had knowledge of. The sinner has not seen the light, thus leans to his or her own understanding based on the appearance of things. He neglects his own soul in pursuit of other desires, but that does not produce complete satisfaction. Conversely, the transgressor decides against the knowledge of God, moving away from what was once known. Now that knowledge, once attained, is now being ignored. ‘The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together, and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed. For they shall be ashamed of the terebinth trees which you have desired; and you shall be embarrassed because of the gardens which you have chosen.” (Isaiah 1:28-29)

The apostles waited on the Holy Spirit to prompt them into action rather than impulsively react to peer pressure or the whims of the crowd. Likewise, there are some who test the current wave of culture and jump in front of the parade of fools as their appointed leader. Lucifer led the people from the highest hill (Isaiah 14:13), and as a result of self-promotion and elevation, he was able to exalt himself above the stars and to sit on the mount of the congregation. When the Holy Spirit takes the lead, uncertainty occurs. Those who think strong leaders are those who are the most confident in themselves may find themselves being misled by one possessed with the pride of Lucifer. One must wait on God to tell them and show them what to do. “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” (2 Chronicles 20:12) We ought not be so prideful as to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. God will impart into the hearts of His humble servants what is needed when the time comes to apply His wisdom to the subject matter. We must learn to trust God even when we do not see Him and even when it appears as if nothing is happening. It is in those moment that God is doing His greatest work! I admonish you not to be misled by what appears to have it all together. It could be a false image of success to deceive you into believing that the fruit that appears pleasant to the eyes can make you as wise as God Himself.