How can we ensure our actions align with God's will in leadership roles? The Sobering Warning of Menahem's Rule “Then Menahem attacked Tiphsah and all who were in it and its territory from Tirzah, for they would not open to him; and he attacked it, and he ripped open all the pregnant women.” (2 Kings 15:16) Menahem shows what happens when a leader operates outside God’s will: violence, coercion, and disregard for life. This literal record is preserved so we never forget how far a heart can drift when power is unchecked by obedience. Diagnosing the Heart Behind Our Decisions • Power sought for self always bends toward harm (James 3:16). • Godly leadership flows from humility and service (Matthew 20:25-28). • “He has shown you, O man, what is good… to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Practices That Keep Leaders in God’s Will 1. Daily Submission to Scripture • Kings of Israel were commanded to copy the Law “so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God… and not turn aside” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). • Modern equivalent: steady, systematic reading and application of the Word. 2. Prayer-Saturated Decision Making • “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Bring plans before God first, not after they’re set. 3. Servant-First Posture • “Be shepherds of God’s flock… not lording it over those entrusted to you.” (1 Peter 5:2-3) • Leadership becomes stewardship, not entitlement. 4. Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit • Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) counter every impulse seen in Menahem. Safeguards Through Accountability • Surround yourself with truth-speaking believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). • Welcome correction; Uzziah’s fall began when “his heart was lifted up” (2 Chronicles 26:16). • Establish transparent systems—financial, moral, relational—so hidden sin has no soil. Living Lessons to Take Away • God records brutal history to warn future leaders; heed the warning. • Alignment with God’s will is not mystery: it is regular obedience to clear commands. • Influence magnifies character; therefore cultivate Christlikeness before, during, and after every leadership opportunity. |
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