NIV Once-A-Day Bible Men And Women Of The Bible Devotionalናሙና

FALLEN YOUTH

Absalom was the consummate politician. His smile and appearance were charming, his ability to “work the crowd” was without equal, his speeches were simple self-advertisements, and he had the right family connections. Absalom promised the people all that King David (his father) was apparently not delivering.
In retrospect, we see Absalom as a failed leader whose shallow character and outright treacheries spoiled his grand campaign promises. After Absalom died, people throughout Israel were saying, “We knew all along . . .” But many people had been fooled.
Who will win your allegiance and respect today? We need people of integrity and vision to accept leadership roles, but too often we get people of selfish ambition, greed and empty promises. The blame is ours. If we want leaders who exhibit virtue and a strong sense of servanthood, we must nurture them. We must pray for them as youngsters and work with them as protégés.
Support youth ministries in your church. Befriend neighborhood kids. Give kids responsibilities, especially in church, wherever you can. Be honest with them and expect them to be honest with you.

PRAYER
Lord, today I pray for . . .

READ
Absalom’s story is told in 2 Samuel 3:3; 13 – 19.