How can church leaders ensure their judgments align with God's will and justice? The Foundational Charge “Consider what you are doing, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment.” (2 Chronicles 19:6) Remember Whose Court You Serve • Every ministry decision takes place before the Lord’s throne (Hebrews 4:13). • Accountability is ultimately vertical, not horizontal (Romans 14:12). Root Every Decision in the Word • Scripture is “perfect, reviving the soul” and “making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). • All teaching, rebuke, correction, and training must flow from the God-breathed text (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Weigh policies, discipline cases, and doctrinal questions against clear passages first; let the less clear be interpreted by the clear (Psalm 119:105). Lean on the Spirit’s Wisdom • “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving” (James 3:17). • Seek the Spirit’s illumination before, during, and after deliberations (John 16:13). • Refuse to rely solely on personal experience or majority opinion (Proverbs 3:5-6). Guard Against Partiality • “Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike” (Deuteronomy 1:17). • Personal friendships, wealth, influence, or popularity must never tilt the scale (Leviticus 19:15). • Rotate advisory voices so no single perspective dominates. Maintain Personal Integrity • “What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). • Hidden sin skews discernment; keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). • Model transparency—share reasons for rulings when confidentiality allows. Cultivate a Team of God-Fearing Counselors • “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Include elders gifted in wisdom, shepherding, and doctrinal clarity (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Welcome constructive dissent; iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Commit Every Judgment to Prayer • Jehoshaphat appointed Levites “to minister before the LORD” alongside judges (2 Chronicles 19:8-9). • Pray for unified hearts, pure motives, and divine insight (Philippians 4:6-7). • Invite the congregation to pray for its leaders regularly (1 Thessalonians 5:25). Act Quickly but Thoughtfully • Justice delayed can become justice denied (Proverbs 21:3). • Yet haste without counsel leads to folly (Proverbs 19:2). • Aim for timely, well-reasoned conclusions that protect both truth and people. Anchor All Discipline in Restoration • The goal is always repentance and wholeness, never humiliation (Galatians 6:1). • Balance firmness with hope, mirroring the Father’s heart toward prodigals (Luke 15:20-24). Stay Aware of the Lord’s Presence • 2 Chronicles 19:6 ends, “He is with you when you render judgment.” • Confidence rises when leaders remember God’s nearness; fear of man fades (Psalm 118:6). • Each verdict, policy, and pastoral counsel becomes an act of worship offered to the righteous Judge. |
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