Lead with Integrity
“In front of them stood seventy elders of Israel, and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan was standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising. He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? They say, ‘The Lord does not see us; the Lord has forsaken the land.”
Today’s Text: Ezekiel 8:1-18 (Living Life Daily Devotional)
We’ve been studying the book of Ezekiel, understanding that this prophecy was a message to the Israelites about their rebellion and idolatry. In today’s devotion, God gives Ezekiel a new vision that reveals a deeper level of spiritual corruption, especially within the very temple in Jerusalem. Ezekiel is brought to the temple entrance, where he sees a hole in the wall. When he is told to dig and enter, he discovers a secret chamber within the temple.
As Ezekiel opens the doorway, he witnesses idol worship taking place. It wasn’t just ordinary individuals, it included spiritual leaders as well. Seventy elders are found secretly worshiping idols inside the temple. These leaders, who were supposed to be examples and shepherds of the people, are instead bowing to idols in darkness, showing just how far they have fallen. They believe their sin is hidden from the Lord, but God is clear that He is omniscient and sees everything.
Each act of idol worship Ezekiel sees highlights how deeply God’s people and leaders have turned away from Him, even in the very place set apart for His worship. It is a sobering reminder for all of us that nothing is hidden from God.
Today, idol worship and sin may exist in the church but it may be hidden from the public exposure. But today’s devotion remind us that any form of idolatry or sin, whether public or hidden, is always seen and judged by God.
Idol worship may not always be statues or physical objects. They can be anything that takes God’s rightful place in our heart, leading to His jealously, such as status, reputation, power, comfort, approval, or personal ambitions. When these take priority, even subtly, they become idols in our lives.
Even worse is when these take place within the realms of the church, a location and a place where God ought to be a priority. When idolatry or sin infiltrates the very walls meant for worship and praise unto the Lord, it not only angers the Lord but it also misleads God’s people. The spiritual damage of the leaders idol worship can shake the core foundation for many people. Church leaders must examine their hearts to see if God is the #1 priority in their ministry. If it is not, it will destroy the church.
Dr. Lee Roberson once said, “Everything rises or falls on leadership.”
Ezekiel’s vision reminds us how crucial leadership and spiritual example is in the church. When those who are called to guide and shepherd God’s people fall into idolatry and sin, it impacts the entire body of Christ. Leaders carry the responsibility of setting the example and protecting the church’s spiritual health.
Let us take to heart a clear warning from today’s devotion. God’s eyes are everywhere, even in the secret chamber within our heart. No sin or idolatry escapes His eyes. Therefore we ought to honestly examine ourselves and repent whatever it is that we have allowed to take God’s rightful place in our heart.
