How can we ensure our leadership aligns with God's will today? Setting the Scene “ In the twentieth year of Asa king of Judah, Nadab son of Jeroboam became king of Israel, and he reigned two years.” 1 Kings 15 : 25 Nadab’s short rule sits in a long line of kings who ignored God’s standards. The verse itself sounds neutral, yet the surrounding narrative reports that Nadab “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (v. 26). His two–year reign reminds us that leadership unaligned with God’s will falters quickly. Common Pitfalls Highlighted by Nadab’s Example • Inherited patterns of sin — Nadab walked “in the way of his father” (v. 26), showing how unchecked compromise becomes family tradition. • Short–sighted ambition — a throne gained without righteousness brings no lasting legacy. • Public impact — Proverbs 29 : 2 notes that “when the wicked rule, the people groan,” and Israel certainly groaned under Jeroboam’s lineage. Timeless Principles for God-Aligned Leadership • God judges the heart, not the résumé (1 Samuel 16 : 7). • Righteousness secures authority (Proverbs 16 : 12). • Obedience is non-negotiable: “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15 : 22). • Leaders influence entire communities; holiness therefore matters on a public scale (James 3 : 1). Practical Ways to Safeguard Leadership Today 1. Saturate selection with Scripture – Measure candidates against 1 Timothy 3 : 1-7 and Titus 1 : 6-9. – Prioritize Spirit-filled character over charisma (Acts 6 : 3). 2. Maintain personal accountability – Establish elder or board oversight (Proverbs 11 : 14). – Invite regular, transparent evaluation of life and doctrine (1 Timothy 4 : 16). 3. Anchor every decision in prayerful dependence on God’s Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119 : 105). – Guard against drift by continual study (Joshua 1 : 8). 4. Address sin swiftly and biblically – Follow Matthew 18 : 15-17 for private and then public correction. – Restore gently, yet uphold holiness (Galatians 6 : 1). 5. Cultivate servant leadership – Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20 : 28). – Authority thrives when modeled on sacrificial love, not self-promotion. Encouraging Contrasts to Nadab • David — though imperfect, he sought God’s heart (Acts 13 : 22). • Hezekiah — removed idols, trusted the LORD, and saw national revival (2 Kings 18 : 3-7). • Nehemiah — combined prayer, planning, and perseverance for the city’s good (Nehemiah 2 : 4-18). Each of these leaders depended on God’s Word and character, proving that alignment with His will is possible and powerful. Living It Out • Choose leaders—and live yourself—so that future generations inherit faithfulness rather than compromise. • Keep Scripture central, accountability active, and service genuine. • When leadership mirrors God’s heart, the people rejoice and His purposes advance. |
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