This week I met with my senior leadership team in person for three days of visioneering. We spent a lot of time planning and preparing for our time together. We all live far away from each other, so we are used to constant meetings online. To be most effective together, we needed to ensure the topics were those that were best suited to be discussed in person. We came up with a strong and detailed agenda (with room for flexibility as needed) and we all looked forward to the event.
Our meetings were incredible. Laptops were closed, phones were set to “do not disturb”, and we brought out the best in each other through challenging conversations, openness, professionalism, creativity, and passion. We had all our meals together and we ensured there was time to unwind and take a break from work talk.
Apart from the tangible results of innovative ideas and plans, the best part was that we bonded as a team. We resolved conflicts healthily and we built each other up through encouraging words. I left the meeting feeling confident and optimistic.
Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 17; 1 Chronicles 2; Acts 12
In Acts 12 we learn about a horrible leader, King Herod Agrippa who was persecuting believers. “He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword.” (Acts 12:2). This wretched man was persecuting believers (and arrested Peter) for his own popularity (ref v3).
Things started to go south for Herod Agrippa when Peter miraculously escaped from prison. As Peter was nowhere to be found, Herod Agrippa sentenced the prison guards to death (ref v19).
Surely God’s anger was kindled for Herod Agrippa but so far God hadn’t zapped him.
Let’s go back to my work visioneering session. I was in my element, feeling good about the results and my team gave me some positive feedback. When this happened, did I respond with humility in a Christ-honoring way or did I consume it with pride, with the thought that it is “all about me”? How about the last time someone complimented you? Where was your heart and focus?
Let’s just say that when I read the next verse, I was convicted:
Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. (Acts 12:23)
Consumed with worms and died! Herod Agrippa did so many horrible things, but God let him go on until he tried to steal God’s glory. Thankfully as we repent of our pride and other sins, we are forgiven through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To him be the glory forever.
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)