Fools and scoffers are the most difficult people in the world to deal with as a review of their characteristics will attest. (See The Most Difficult People in the World for a biblical description of fools and scoffers). Sadly, more people than you might think can become fools or scoffers apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs identifies many characteristics of fools and scoffers. Some fools and scoffers are juvenile delinquents or career criminals. Others are simply belligerent and self-centered, acting as if they know it all. All fools and scoffers erroneously believe that truth is in the eye of the beholder and, as a result, selfishly live according to what is right in their own eyes.
The Book of Proverbs also reveals that fools and scoffers are easily provoked, will tell lies to get their way, have no desire to change, rarely recognize the detrimental effects they have on others, will not listen to those who disagree with them, and persistently live in a manner that proclaims, “It’s all about me.” Worst of all, fools and scoffers do not reverence God even though they may use religion or religious expressions to try to enhance their personal credibility.
FOOLS AND SCOFFERS IN LEADERSHIP
While most people scorn chronic criminals and delinquents, they may admire other fools and scoffers in leadership positions. A fool or scoffer can be a religious leader, a country’s president, a judge, a corporate executive, a law enforcement official, a government legislator, a hospital director, a newspaper editor, a teacher, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, a decorated war hero, a business owner, a supervisor . . . and the list can go on and on.
Are there any recognized leadership positions that are immune from being occupied by fools or scoffers? The answer to that question is unequivocally, “No.” A position of prominence does not protect against folly. From a biblical perspective, the only safeguard that guarantees a person will not become a fool or scoffer is for that person first to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and then to grow in a relationship with Christ by consistently obeying God’s Word.
See Life’s Most Important Decision and You Can Change…One Step at a Time
BIBLICALLY RESPONDING TO FOOLS AND SCOFFERS
Many people in leadership positions have rejected Christ and have characteristics of a fool or scoffer. How can believers respond?
If believers have access to a leader displaying characteristics of a fool or scoffer, then they can use various occasions to demonstrate the difference Jesus has made in their own lives.
Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
If God grants an opportunity, then a believer can also present the Good News of Jesus Christ and the importance of growing in Christ-likeness.
Only a small percentage of believers, however, have direct access to leaders who have authority over a larger group of people. In this situation, all believers are to remain faithful and obedient to the Lord in spite of how they or others are treated.
1 Peter 2:15 this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
Believers are also to pray for these leaders, especially those in governmental positions of power.
1 Timothy 2:1-3, First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.
SPECIFIC PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO LEADERS WHO ARE FOOLS AND SCOFFERS
As a believer, how should you pray, especially since there are many fools and scoffers in positions of leadership all over the world?
- First and foremost, pray that believers may live peaceful and quiet lives, being godly and dignified in every way.
- Pray also that these leaders will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and, thus, receive forgiveness of sins and obtain eternal life.
- Pray that God will bring bold believers into the lives of leaders who have rejected Jesus Christ.
- Pray that believers impacted negatively by Christ-rejecting leaders will not lose heart but will continue to rely on God Almighty for continued help.
- Pray that troubles in this world caused by fools and scoffers in leadership positions will help us to remember that “this world is not our home.”
Pray that you will remain faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s Word for all aspects of life no matter who is in a leadership position over you.
Fools and scoffers may end up in leadership positions that impact your life, but always remember that God Almighty is in control…so pray accordingly.
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Leadership is not for Fools and Scoffers…but it Happens © 2012 WordTruth, Inc—http://www.wordtruth.net
Verses from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version © 2001Version by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers