Focusing Leaders

But the people refused to listen to Samuel’s warning. “Even so, we still want a king,” they said. “We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.”

It is a strong human compulsion to want to be like others. And the experiences we grow up with and live in everyday - in our homes and our societies - shape our perspectives and desires in ways we are often not aware of, nor are we as honest about them as the people of Israel were here. We don't examine our own worldview or perspectives very critically, because they are a part of who we are, they fit so naturally, they are comfortable.

Yet here is a warning for us to remember that the ways that seem natural and right to us, the ways we grew up doing things or which make the most sense to us, those ways may not be the ways that God wants to lead us. He may want to teach us something new and different. When the time comes that he speaks to us with unorthodox directions, will we be able and willing to hear him and consider the alternative to the way we've always done things?

Father, help me see the ways I have been shaped by the values of my family and culture. Though they are so ingrained in me, I want to hold them lightly and be subject to your correction and teaching. Please create an openness in me to learn new ways from you.