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IL #659: 5 Lessons from Ishamel: A Warning Against Ambition Without God

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Manage episode 511479323 series 1019918
Content provided by Ron R. Kelleher. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ron R. Kelleher or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Over the course of my career, I've seen leaders who seemed to have it all—intelligence, charisma, opportunity—yet squandered their potential by chasing ambition rather than serving others. The Bible gives us such an example in Ishmael, a man of royal descent whose story is recorded in Jeremiah 40–41.

Ishmael had every chance to influence his people for good, but his choices revealed a dangerous truth: leadership without God at the center will always fail. Instead of building trust, he betrayed it. Instead of protecting the innocent, he harmed them. Instead of leaving a legacy of faith, he disappeared into obscurity.

In this episode, we'll walk through Ishmael's tragic story—his betrayal of Gedaliah, his violence against worshipers, and his ultimate flight into exile. Along the way, we'll uncover five critical leadership lessons:

  • Ambition without God leads to destruction.
  • Trust is a leader's most valuable currency.
  • Abuse of power reveals a corrupt heart.
  • Godly leadership requires humility and service.
  • Your legacy depends on obedience to God.

These lessons are as relevant in the boardroom as they were in Jeremiah's day. Christian leaders today still face the temptation to lead like Ishmael—driven by pride, ambition, or the pursuit of recognition. But God calls us to a higher standard: leadership rooted in humility, compassion, and faithfulness.

If you've ever wondered what kind of legacy you're building as a leader, Ishmael's story offers both a warning and a challenge. Join me as we explore how to avoid Ishmael's mistakes and instead build a life and legacy that honor the One who called us.

  continue reading

660 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 511479323 series 1019918
Content provided by Ron R. Kelleher. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ron R. Kelleher or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Over the course of my career, I've seen leaders who seemed to have it all—intelligence, charisma, opportunity—yet squandered their potential by chasing ambition rather than serving others. The Bible gives us such an example in Ishmael, a man of royal descent whose story is recorded in Jeremiah 40–41.

Ishmael had every chance to influence his people for good, but his choices revealed a dangerous truth: leadership without God at the center will always fail. Instead of building trust, he betrayed it. Instead of protecting the innocent, he harmed them. Instead of leaving a legacy of faith, he disappeared into obscurity.

In this episode, we'll walk through Ishmael's tragic story—his betrayal of Gedaliah, his violence against worshipers, and his ultimate flight into exile. Along the way, we'll uncover five critical leadership lessons:

  • Ambition without God leads to destruction.
  • Trust is a leader's most valuable currency.
  • Abuse of power reveals a corrupt heart.
  • Godly leadership requires humility and service.
  • Your legacy depends on obedience to God.

These lessons are as relevant in the boardroom as they were in Jeremiah's day. Christian leaders today still face the temptation to lead like Ishmael—driven by pride, ambition, or the pursuit of recognition. But God calls us to a higher standard: leadership rooted in humility, compassion, and faithfulness.

If you've ever wondered what kind of legacy you're building as a leader, Ishmael's story offers both a warning and a challenge. Join me as we explore how to avoid Ishmael's mistakes and instead build a life and legacy that honor the One who called us.

  continue reading

660 episodes

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