What can we do to ensure our leadership aligns with God's will today? Setting the Scene: Joash’s Last Day “His servants conspired against him and killed Joash at Beth-millo, on the road down to Silla.” (2 Kings 12:20) Joash began as a reformer but drifted once the godly priest Jehoiada died. The conspiracy that ended his life is a sober reminder that leadership loses divine covering when it abandons God’s ways. Lessons from the Downfall • A good start is not enough; perseverance matters (2 Kings 12:2; Galatians 5:7). • Wrong influencers corrupt right intentions (2 Chronicles 24:17-18). • Unchecked sin invites judgment—even in the highest office (Psalm 89:32). Guardrails for God-Honoring Leadership Today 1. Stay Anchored to Scripture • Joshua 1:8—“This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips “for every good work.” Practical step: Schedule regular public reading of Scripture in meetings; let decisions be tested against clear biblical principles. 2. Seek a Circle of Faithful Counselors • Proverbs 11:14—“With an abundance of counselors there is deliverance.” • Psalm 101:6—“He who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me.” Practical step: Surround leaders with people known for holiness, not flattery. Establish accountability boards that can say “no.” 3. Practice Servant-Hearted Authority • Matthew 20:26-28—“Whoever wants to become great…must be your servant.” • 1 Peter 5:3—“Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples.” Practical step: Leaders regularly engage in low-profile service—visiting the sick, mentoring youth—so humility stays fresh. 4. Cultivate Ongoing Repentance and Renewal • Proverbs 4:23—“Guard your heart with all diligence.” • 1 John 1:9—Confession keeps fellowship with God clear. Practical step: Build in times of corporate confession; encourage leaders to have spiritual mentors who ask hard questions. 5. Honor God’s Standards for Character • 1 Timothy 3:2-7 lists qualities: “above reproach…self-controlled…respectable.” • Titus 1:7—A steward “must be blameless.” Practical step: Use these lists as the baseline for selecting or retaining leaders, not merely résumé skills. 6. Remember Divine Accountability • Romans 13:1—“There is no authority except from God.” • Hebrews 4:13—“No creature is hidden from His sight.” Practical step: Leaders publicly acknowledge dependence on God’s oversight; gratitude and fear of the LORD keep motives pure. A Checklist for Ourselves and Our Leaders □ Is Scripture the final word in every policy or decision? □ Are counselors chosen for piety over popularity? □ Does humility show through practical acts of service? □ Is repentance a lifestyle, not a crisis response? □ Do character qualifications outweigh charisma? □ Is God’s throne kept in view more than earthly platforms? Joash’s story warns; Christ’s model empowers. By guarding these principles, families, churches, and nations can cultivate leadership that truly aligns with the will of God. |
    |