How can we ensure our leadership aligns with God's will today? Scripture Focus “So Saul died together with his three sons and all his house.” – 1 Chronicles 10:6 What Went Wrong with Saul? • Rejected God’s Word: ignored clear commands (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Turned to counterfeit guidance: “He had even consulted a medium for guidance” (1 Chronicles 10:13). • Stopped seeking the LORD: “He did not inquire of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 10:14). • Result: leadership cut short, legacy lost, people harmed. Timeless Principles for God-Aligned Leadership • Scripture First – leaders must know, love, and obey God’s Word (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). • Humble Dependence – continual inquiry of the LORD keeps pride in check (Psalm 25:9; James 4:6). • Righteous Character – “A throne is established through righteousness” (Proverbs 16:12). • Sound Counsel – seek godly advisors; “with an abundance of counselors there is deliverance” (Proverbs 11:14). • Reject Counterfeits – avoid worldly or occult substitutes for divine guidance (Isaiah 8:19-20). • Accountability & Repentance – quick confession prevents long-term collapse (1 John 1:9). • Servant-Hearted Posture – lead as David did: “with integrity of heart… skillful hands” (Psalm 78:72). Practical Ways to Apply These Principles Today • Daily immersion in Scripture for every leader and those who influence them. • Regular seasons of prayer and fasting before major decisions. • Establish elder boards or accountability teams committed to biblical standards. • Encourage prophetic voices who faithfully expound Scripture, not personal agendas. • Reject unethical shortcuts—transparency in finances, relationships, and policies. • Celebrate repentance; create a culture where admitting wrong is honored, not shamed. • Model servant leadership—visible acts of humility remind followers whom we ultimately serve. • Intercede for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) rather than merely critiquing them. Related Scriptures to Anchor These Truths • 2 Chronicles 7:14 – humble prayer precedes national healing. • Micah 6:8 – justice, mercy, humility define God-pleasing leadership. • Romans 13:1 – recognizing God’s sovereign placement of authorities. • Proverbs 29:2 – people flourish under righteous rulers. • Psalm 33:12 – nations blessed when God is acknowledged. Closing Thoughts Saul’s downfall is a sober reminder that position alone never guarantees God’s favor. Leadership aligns with God’s will when Scripture governs decisions, humility marks motives, righteous character shapes conduct, and constant dependence on the LORD overrides every other counsel. |