Hebrews 12:14-15 says, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Every leader could find reasons to be bitter. You will have an idea stolen by someone that prospers, you will make one mistake and an unforgiving boss delays or eliminates your potential for promotion, you have your reputation damaged or destroyed by an unethical co-worker and the reasons for bitterness can go on and on. Effective leaders seek God’s grace and do whatever has to be done to destroy a bitter root in their emotions before it can grow and cause trouble. Read 2 Samuel 13 and 14.

Absalom appeared to be a born leader. Not only was he the son of a king, but he also possessed exceptionally good looks and a winsome personality. His sensitivity to the felt needs of the masses enabled him to win their loyalty. Unfortunately, Absalom used his influence to lead people in the wrong direction. He organized a revolution against his father, King David, which ultimately resulted in his own tragic death. Read more »