Malachi 2 | The Exposure Of Godless Leaders

One of the great miracles is that God uses simple men and women to advance His Kingdom. Leaders who humble themselves before Him and have the precious gift of His indwelling can be a mighty force for His Kingdom.

A SPIRITUAL LEADER’S TASK

Malachi speaks of the priest’s responsibilities in his day. We could compare them, in some ways, to modern-day pastors.

“For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 2:7)

It is the highest privilege to be a spokesman for God Himself. Paul speaks of this role in Ephesians. He says ...

He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Those who serve well are worthy of double honor, Paul would later say. I have known hundreds of faithful men of God throughout my life that have helped me grow in spiritual maturity.

A GODLESS LEADER’S FAILURE

But these men face the same temptations as any leader. Our three-fold enemies of the world, the flesh, and the devil are ever with us. Sadly, some men succumb to temptation and fall. Satan loves this, for when a leader falls, it brings great damage to those he leads.

A lack of integrity will always manifest itself. Always. God will see to it for He has promised to bring judgment to those men who are harming His people. Malachi was God’s voice to the false prophets of his day.

“But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the Lord of hosts. “So I also have made you despised and abased before all the people, just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.” (Malachi 2:8-9)

God will not overlook sin in the life of His leaders. He loves His people and His purposes too greatly. No man is perfect, but we want to be used of God, and to avoid His disciplining hand, we must deal quickly with any sin in our lives, lest it takes a foothold and destroys our ministry and the lives of those around us.

Father, keep me from hidden sins. Help me to do my task faithfully and well, relying on Your power and grace. When I sin, help me to repent and return to You quickly. May the people I lead be blessed by Your word and work through me.