Keeping Them on the Road

“He taught the truth and did not lie. He walked with me in peace and uprightness. He kept many out of the ditch, kept them on the road.” Malachi 2:6

Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, deals with, among other things, the corruption of the priesthood. They had forgotten their divine responsibilities, and used their position as a method for personal gain. This made the susceptible to bribes from the rich, leaving the poor neglected.

God reminds Malachi and the priests how their archetype, Levi, had viewed his role. As the original ancestor of the priesthood, God assigned him duties, and he responded well. According to this verse, Levi held to the truth, walked in peace and uprightness, with the happy result that people were encouraged in the same righteous behaviors.

As the leadership goes, so go the people. It doesn’t matter what organization, very few people will surpass the leadership in goodness or ethical behavior. Children live up (or down) to their parent’s expectations; but even more so to their parents’ behavior. “Do not lie” is nullified when the child sees the parent tell a motel that there are only two adults in their party and then sneak the children in, all in an attempt to save a few dollars.

So, God holds his leadership, the priesthood, accountable for so much of Israel’s failings at that time. Levi taught the truth. A person finds much freedom when they discover that speaking the truth cleanly and clearly illuminates nearly any situation. To beat around the bush, or to try to agree with everybody possible with the idea of “keeping the peace” seldom results in a healthy environment. God’s plan is for leadership to speak truthfully, about themselves, about the truths of God, and about what it means to follow Him.

He points out that Levi “walked with Me in peace.” The lovely Hebrew word “shalom” signifies much more than “quietness” or “lack of conflict”. It implies a healthy and mature relationship that is based upon truth. There is no peace between people who do not communicate well. That is why “truth-telling” precedes peace. Knowing that nothing is hidden creates a foundation on which a healthy relationship can mature. That is a chief reason God offers forgiveness to us through Christ. Knowing God’s response to our truth-telling is forgiveness, we can more easily enjoy the peace God wants us to have.

Because the current priests were being bought with bribes, there was little truth to how they led the people. Everything they did and said was shaded so that they would not offend those who were lining their pockets. There is little peace in such situations; priests growing rich from lobbyists’ gifts, always wondering if they have acted in such a way to keep the payola coming.

Levi also walked with God in “uprightness”.  No matter the possible negative consequences, uprightness always does the good thing, the right thing. And, even when it seems a better outcome may be obtained by impure tactics, uprightness turns away from the temptation to use them. Levi (and other “good” or “godly” leaders) trust God enough that they stick to doing things “right”, and trusting God for the results. Therefore, they do not feel the need to coerce people, to strong arm them, or use threats or dishonest manipulation. Uprightness is about staying on course, walking in God’s ways no matter the possible outcome.

When we see people actually walking out this sort of life, in all integrity, without hypocrisy and self-righteousness, we are attracted to them. We see someone who is free to share their opinion and unafraid when other disagree, and we know we can also trust them with our opinions. When we watch their peaceful countenance even in times of great dissension, we are motivated to find the same sort of peace. Watching someone live out actual uprightness, not changing upon whims of favor or winds of opposition, we are impressed with their moral strength, and hopefully are encouraged to follow the same path.

This is, in my opinion, what it means when it says “he kept many out of the ditch, kept them on the road.” Can we consider, just for a moment, that, though Levi fulfilled this to some degree, it is perfectly and finally realized in our Lord Jesus Christ? Only in Him do we see and know the truth in all its perfection. “I am the way, the truth and the life”, He said. He is the provider of all peace, to those who trust Him. Ephesians tells us that Jesus is the “Peace, who has broken down every wall!” And, there is none as righteous, as beautiful in perfection, as Jesus Himself. Every word He spoke, each action He took, were in perfect obedience to His Father in heaven.

When we think about leadership, why not look at Jesus? How much better it would be as we modeled His affinity for the truth, His love of peace, and His life of perfect righteousness. We are not guaranteed to win every battle just because we attempt to lead like Jesus. But we will receive God’s commendation, and probably sleep much better as well.