I am reading a book titled, The Dark Side of Leadership. It’s content is somewhat familiar and I am trying to read it with a fresh look on how I can apply new thought patterns that I might have missed in my own life. As I am reading, I acknowledge how much could be avoided with prayer and the self-reflection and self-awareness that comes with spending time with the Holy Spirit.

I look at the Corinthian church and see a son sleeping with his father’s wife. Not a new thing – Reuben did it as well.

While Jacob was living in that land, Reuben had sexual intercourse with Bilhah, one of his father’s concubines; Jacob heard about it and was furious. – Genesis 35:22a GNT

If my world misses anything it is the denial that Satan prowls trying to pervert the grace of God in the lives that follow Jesus. Disgraceful people do come into the Church, but this is rather a fallen state that should humble all of us and I know it challenges me to be more attentively careful of myself. In fact, I am more earnest in making sure that I am praying and depending on God’s mercy than ever before.

There is a clear necessity for me to seek my Father for direction, strength and power. Jesus had the same need. Jesus tried to teach the disciples the importance of finding a quiet place and by that, a place to rest and pray.

There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his disciples didn’t even have time to eat. So he said to them, “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where we will be alone and you can rest a while.” – Mark 6:31 GNT

 

Prayer is part of our theological instincts, our “incurable God sickness.” -Karl Barth