How can we discern leaders' intentions in light of Ezekiel 11:2? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 11:2: “And He said to me, ‘Son of man, these are the men who plot evil and give wicked advice in this city.’” God pulls back the curtain on Jerusalem’s civil and religious officials, labeling their plans as “evil” and their counsel as “wicked.” The verse assumes that leaders can look respectable while secretly steering a nation toward disaster. Why Leaders’ Intentions Matter • Leaders shape the moral climate (Proverbs 29:2). • Hidden motives can corrupt an entire people (Hosea 4:9). • God holds His people accountable for following ungodly counsel (Isaiah 9:16). Signs of Concealed Motives • Smooth words masking self-interest (Romans 16:18). • Policies that contradict God’s revealed righteousness (Isaiah 10:1-2). • A pattern of fruit that differs from public promises (Matthew 7:15-20). • Pressure to sideline Scripture for “practical” considerations (Jeremiah 8:8-9). • Resistance to accountability or prophetic correction (2 Chronicles 26:16-19). Scriptural Tools for Discernment • The Word exposes heart-level intentions (Hebrews 4:12). • The Holy Spirit grants insight (John 16:13). • Wisdom is verified by righteous outcomes (James 3:13,17). • Every spirit and teaching must be tested (1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Practical Steps 1. Measure every directive against clear Scripture. If it clashes, reject it (Acts 5:29). 2. Observe long-term fruit, not short-term appearances (Matthew 7:20). 3. Watch how leaders handle money, power, and praise (1 Timothy 3:2-3). 4. Seek counsel from seasoned believers who stand on the Word (Proverbs 11:14). 5. Pray for illumination; God delights to uncover hidden things (Daniel 2:22). 6. Refuse complicity; speak truth in love when deception surfaces (Ephesians 4:15). 7. Keep your own motives pure; hypocrisy blinds discernment (Matthew 7:3-5). Encouragement to Stand Firm Though Ezekiel faced influential men plotting “evil,” God exposed their schemes and preserved a remnant who remained faithful (Ezekiel 11:16-20). When we cling to Scripture, rely on the Spirit, and courageously test every counsel, we’ll recognize ungodly intentions and stay aligned with our faithful Shepherd, who “will guide the humble in what is right” (Psalm 25:9). |
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