The Next Generation Pays When Leaders Disobey

Written By Kimberly Sciscoe

Obedience is the love language of God. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is trust in its highest form. Obedience says, “God, I trust Your ways are best, so I will live according to Your requests.”

Leaders must lead themselves before they can lead others. A spiritual leader’s first responsibility is to be in alignment with God and be obedient to Him.

Obedience fosters humility. Humility is essential for a leader because it’s so easy for a leader to think “I know best” when only God knows best.

I’m struck with grief reading the story of King Jeroboam, who refused to obey God’s laws again and again. Even after mercy was shown and second chances given, Jeroboam did things his way and dragged his family down with him.

When his son Abijah fell sick, Jeroboam told his wife to put on a disguise, take some gifts, go to the prophet who had told Jeroboam he would be king, and ask him what would become of the child. Imagine it. Instead of repenting and asking God to heal his child, Jeroboam forced his wife to try to manipulate the man of God!

God would have none of this. First Kings 14:5 says the Lord told the prophet beforehand that Jeroboam’s wife was coming, that she would pretend to be another woman, and dictated the message God wanted the prophet to give to her. 

God had raised up Jeroboam to lead His people. Instead of honoring and obeying God, Jeroboam had done evil above all that were before him. He even made other gods, two golden calves. God judged him, saying he would bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam and destroy every one of his male descendants. Abijah would die an early death and be buried, but the rest of Jeroboam’s family would be eaten by the dogs of the field and the fowls of the air. None of his offspring would have a proper burial, one of the worst disgraces.

Jeroboam’s stubbornness compromised his wife and killed his child.

God takes obedience seriously.

We must remember that our obedience or disobedience always affects those around us. Just as our obedience opens up favor and blessing, disobedience brings missed opportunities, denied destinies, and often invites judgment for us and those who follow after us.

Delayed obedience is still disobedience.

“God, put it in my heart to love Your ways and obey quickly so I can open up doorways of favor for myself, my family, and those who have been entrusted to my care. Amen.”

© 2026 Kimberly Sciscoe

Kimberly Sciscoe

Kimberly Sciscoe has always had an extraordinary love for people! Connecting them to Jesus is her life’s passion.

Kimberly was blessed to be born into a family with God as their center. As a young teenager, her passion for missions took her to Costa Rica and Panama. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Kimberly enjoyed teaching in both public and private sectors for ten years.

In her home church, Kimberly focused on outreach, discipling new converts, and teaching Bible studies at a state recovery center. As a single adult, Kimberly served as a missionary in Puerto Rico and Spain. On May 3, 1996, she married Jason Sciscoe, the love of her life, and has enjoyed being his earth partner ever since.

Jason and Kimberly have traveled the globe sharing Jesus with others. In 2004, they founded Triumph Ministries International Network. It gives Kimberly great joy to serve alongside her husband as co-pastor of The Church Triumphant in Houston, Texas. Kimberly’s hands and heart can be seen in leading Ladies Ministries, Outreach, and Discipleship efforts.

Combining her love for education, women, and children, Kimberly has worked with global partners in India, championing such causes as caring for orphans, educating women and girls, and empowering the underrepresented while spreading the love of Jesus.

Kimberly Sciscoe is the author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to Soul Winning: Connecting People to God Everywhere You Go. She is a motivational speaker and serves as a mentor to many. Her most treasured audience is her two children.

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The Danger of My Way