How can we ensure our leadership aligns with God's will today? Setting the Stage “Jehoiachin was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months and ten days. He did evil in the sight of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 36:9) Jehoiachin: A Sobering Snapshot • Young beginnings do not guarantee godly direction. • A short reign can still leave lasting damage. • How a leader relates to the LORD, not how long he leads, determines God’s verdict. Core Lessons for Today’s Leaders • Early formation matters. Pour Scripture into hearts long before positions are offered (Psalm 119:9). • Position never overrides obedience. God evaluates motive and action, not title (1 Samuel 15:22). • Every day counts. A three-month reign is enough time to honor or dishonor God. Building Leadership That Aligns with God’s Will • Stay Word-saturated – Daily reading and meditation (Joshua 1:8). – Filter decisions through clear commands (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Cultivate constant prayer – Seek wisdom from above (James 1:5). – Invite God’s direction before strategic choices (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Walk in humility – Remember Micah 6:8: “act justly… love mercy… walk humbly.” – Reject self-promotion; embrace servant leadership (Mark 10:45). • Embrace accountability – Surround yourself with mature, truth-telling believers (Proverbs 11:14). – Receive correction quickly (Proverbs 9:8-9). • Model holiness – Personal integrity precedes public influence (1 Timothy 3:2-7). – Guard heart and habits (Proverbs 4:23). • Pursue repentance swiftly – God honors leaders who turn back immediately when sin is revealed (Psalm 32:5). – Short accounts keep hearts soft (1 John 1:9). • Prioritize service over status – Greatness is measured by willingness to serve (Matthew 20:26-28). – See authority as stewardship, not entitlement (Luke 12:48). Positive Contrast: Josiah’s Pattern “He did what was right in the sight of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.” (2 Chronicles 34:2) • Personal devotion—found and read the Book of the Law. • National reform—tore down idolatry. • Covenant renewal—led people to commit publicly to obedience. Timeless Promises to Claim • “The eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) • “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Daily Leadership Alignment Checklist • Scripture engaged before schedules. • Prayerful dependence acknowledged in every decision. • Humility actively practiced in words and tone. • Counsel sought from godly voices, not flattering ones. • Integrity guarded when no one is watching. • Repentance embraced the moment conviction comes. • Service prioritized above recognition. Living the Lesson Jehoiachin teaches that ignoring God brings swift collapse, no matter how brief or long a leader’s tenure. By rooting our leadership in Scripture, prayer, humility, accountability, and service, we align with the will of the One whose verdict matters most—and we position ourselves to bless those we lead rather than harm them. |
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