Leadership has really messed things up ... Dad!!! 1 Samuel 11-15

It is usually not well advised to publically criticize leadership. It is even less advised if the leader who has messed up is your dad!! Jonathan, however, is not afraid to step up and say what needed to be said. In 14:29 of this section Jonathan states publically that his father has "troubled" the land. To set the scene, Saul and the Isralites are in a war with one of their enemies. To make sure the warriors properly fight, King Saul issues a command that no one is to stop and eat until the enemey is fully destroyed. However, his son Jonathan is not in the camp when the order is given and therefore knows of no foolish command. While pursuing the enemy Jonathan cares for his weakness by eating some honey and there causes alarm with the camp. Jonathan is not afraid to step up and admit that the command issued by the King (his father) is not only foolish but is "troublesome" to the nation. Some people would have just kept quiet. Others might have run. But, Jonathan is willing to take the punishment, yet the people came to his rescue. The problem is not found in "stating the leaders incompetence." Most people can do that. But, they seldom do so publically and are willing to take the risk. Leaders seldom solict such "voices" within the ranks and use fear and "curses" to make sure they are not criticized publically. Good, Godly leadership is willing to have others critize them and allow them to "voice" their concerns. It doesn't take bravery to complain about leadership. People do taht every day at lunch, at the water cooler and to their spouses when they get home each night. It takes bravery to do it the right way. To speak out and be willing to take the risk and "punishment" if necessary. Don't be a complainer about leadership when you see something they are doing to "trouble" the land. Be someone who goes to leadership to point out the issues and being solution to the land.