A leader is responsible for setting the culture of an organization. Through their words and their actions, they demonstrate what kind of behavior is expected. If they claim that treating fellow employees with kindness and respect is a value but then consistently berate those under them, what kind of culture will be established? An employee may be forgiven for saying, “I can’t hear you because I see you.”

Priests were spiritual leaders in Israel. Malachi chapter 2 gives us a window into what the primary role of a priest was intended to be. Priests were responsible for teaching the Scripture: “True instruction was in his mouth and nothing false was found on his lips” (v. 6). In addition to teaching, priests were to model reverence and awe for God (v. 5). Through their teaching and example, they were to help Israel turn away from sin (v. 6). As messengers of God, they were to bless the people and judge them fairly, according to the Law (vv. 2, 9).

Yet, the priests in Malachi’s day were not fulfilling their calling. They turned away from following the Law themselves and through their teaching led Israel into sin (v. 8). Because of this, they were in danger of judgment. God would subvert their work as priests. Their blessings would turn into curses (v. 2). In the Temple, the dung from sacrificial animals was carted outside and burnt (Ex. 29:14). In judgment, God declared that the priests would themselves be smeared with dung and carried off to the dunghill (v. 3)! God cares deeply when the spiritual leaders of His people neglect their duty. Spiritual leadership is a high calling. James warned his readers, “Not many of you should become teachers” (James 3:1).

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