What actions can we take to ensure our leadership aligns with biblical principles? Anchoring Our Study: 1 Kings 15:9 “In the twentieth year of the reign of Jeroboam over Israel, Asa became king of Judah.” Why Start With Verse 9? This simple historical marker launches a 41-year reign (v. 10) that Scripture immediately praises. Asa’s leadership offers a living case study in bringing authority under God’s authority. What Asa Actually Did Right • Removed idolatry: “He banished the male shrine prostitutes… and removed all the idols” (1 Kings 15:12). • Practiced impartial righteousness: even deposed his own grandmother for idolatry (v. 13). • Pursued wholehearted devotion: “Asa’s heart was fully devoted to the LORD all his days” (v. 14). • Repaired worship infrastructure: “He brought into the house of the LORD the silver and gold and utensils that he and his father had dedicated” (v. 15, cf. 2 Chronicles 15:8). Actions We Can Take to Align Leadership With Biblical Principles 1. Establish a Clear Line of Accountability to God • Leadership is not self-originated; it begins when God appoints (v. 9). • Romans 13:1—“There is no authority except from God.” • Habit: public acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty before decisions are made. 2. Remove Known Sin Courageously • Asa dismantled entrenched idol centers (1 Kings 15:12). • Colossians 3:5—“Put to death what is earthly in you.” • Habit: routine audits of policies, practices, and personal habits against Scripture. 3. Apply Standards Impartially • Family ties did not shield Maacah (v. 13). • Deuteronomy 1:17—“Do not show partiality.” • Habit: same disciplinary process for everyone, including leaders’ relatives and close friends. 4. Cultivate Wholehearted Devotion, Not Half-Measures • Although not perfect (high places remained), Asa’s heart was “fully devoted” (v. 14). • Psalm 101:2—“I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.” • Habit: personal spiritual disciplines that overflow into organizational culture. 5. Reinvest Resources Into God-Honoring Purposes • Silver and gold were returned to temple service (v. 15). • Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth.” • Habit: budget lines that prioritize ministry, mercy, and gospel advance. 6. Surround Yourself With God-Fearing Advisors • 2 Chronicles 15:1-8 shows Asa responding to prophetic counsel. • Acts 6:3—leaders “full of the Spirit and wisdom.” • Habit: selection of counselors/board members based on spiritual maturity, not mere credentials. 7. Keep Reform Ongoing • 2 Chronicles 15:17 records further removal of detestable idols even after initial reforms. • Philippians 3:13-14—“Forgetting what is behind… I press on.” • Habit: annual review of mission statements, policies, and personal goals against Scripture. Supporting Scriptures for Leadership Qualifications • 1 Timothy 3:1-7—moral, relational, and doctrinal standards. • Titus 1:6-9—blameless character, sound teaching. • Proverbs 29:2—“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice.” Putting It All Together Asa began reigning because God allowed it (v. 9), led with courage, confronted sin, and realigned worship to its proper center. By mirroring these actions—accountability to God, sin-removal, impartial justice, wholehearted devotion, strategic stewardship, wise counsel, and continual reform—modern leadership can remain firmly tethered to biblical principles. |
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