Can free people be led by a slave?

“Under three things the earth quakes, and under four it cannot bear up; a pauper (slave) when he becomes a king…” Proverbs 30:21-22

This is a remarkable scripture that gives insight into the effects of identity and its far reaching implications, even to the earth. In our contexts we can liken becoming kings to becoming leaders, directors, pastors, presidents, teachers, government ministers, or any other position of power.

When those who lead, whether previously a slave or prince, think and lead like true princes then nobility, valour, honour and integrity are the culture they create. Freedom and empowerment are the fruit of this culture.

But when paupers or slaves come into governance, without first becoming free internally, the result is usually oppression, corruption, mismanagement, secrecy and control. In the case of our government for example, the solution is not necessarily a new ruling party, but transformation of the leaders or even potential leaders of this nation.

Those who remain enslaved internally cannot lead free people. As Christians, we are all slaves in the process of becoming princes, even heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. We have to constantly shift our thinking, actions and the way we live to reflect our current increased revelation of who God says we are. In so doing, we will learn how to become royalty, living from heaven and affecting earth.

“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God… in hope that the creation itself will be set free from the bondage of corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:19-21.

There is glory in our becoming free. This glory holds freedom for others and even for all of creation.  As we step out of false identities and into the truth of who God made us to be, we become free. We become sons and daughters. When true sons and daughters come into positions of power, it is unlikely that the power will be abused. Our internal transformation through sonship (becoming children of God) results in bringing transformation in society externally.

A good test of where we are on the sonship journey is to ask ourselves this question: whose kingdom am I building? Am I building my own kingdom or am I building God’s Kingdom? Not only does the answer reveal what the true state of our hearts are, but it also reveals how well we are using our time on earth.

 “…the God of heaven will set up a Kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the Kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all the kingdoms and bring the, to an end, and it shall stand forever.” Daniel 2:44

In the end the only Kingdom that will remain is God’s and every other kingdom must bow to it.

Selfish ambition has a rather short life-span.