“When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is joyful shouting.” Proverbs 11:10 NASB
I was in a discussion the other day with a lifelong friend. We were talking about the news of the day. It was a subject we seldom discuss since we usually choose the more important and interesting topics of family, ministry, hunting, and Auburn football, instead. At the time that we were having our discussion, some very challenging situations were occurring in a few of the large cities in our country. Suddenly he remarked, “Thank God for small towns, right?” I live in Auburn, Alabama and he lives in the neighboring city of Opelika. As I reflected back on that, I realized that what he was referring to was the political, social, and fiscal stability in our twin communities and, although Auburn University brings very much an urban flavor to the community, there is great stability and leadership that is balanced and values-driven in our small towns. That’s not to imply that major cities don’t have that kind of leadership, but here, their voices are softer, and their influence is more keenly felt. Before anyone mistakes this for a political statement, I admit I’m not sure who stands exactly where, politically. I do see this truth worked out in business, too. Companies led by godly men and women may not necessarily make more money (although they do seem to have a leg up on success), but their people seem more settled and happier and stay around longer, in general. The bottom line is that right-living leaders create environments for right-living teams. Today, review your personal attitudes and actions to be sure they line up with God’s principles. #BeTheEdge
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.” Acts 20:28
