How can we apply the importance of seeking God's will in leadership decisions? Setting the Scene: When Ambition Skips Consultation “Adonijah sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves by the stone of Zoheleth near En-rogel. He invited all his royal brothers and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants.” (1 Kings 1:9) Adonijah throws a coronation feast—yet never pauses to ask what God intends. The absence of divine consultation sets off a chain of crisis. From this single verse we glean a timeless principle: leadership decisions that ignore God’s will end in turmoil. Warning Lights Embedded in 1 Kings 1:9 • Self-promotion before God-promotion • Public spectacle without private seeking • Selective invitations—he gathers allies who will applaud him, not prophets who will challenge him Why Leaders Must Seek God First • God, not people, grants authority (Romans 13:1). • He already knows the end of every plan (Isaiah 46:10). • Submission preserves unity and prevents unnecessary fallout (James 3:17-18). • Seeking Him honors His rightful place as King of kings (Revelation 19:16). Practical Ways to Discern His Will Today 1. Examine motives – Ask, “Is this for God’s glory or my elevation?” (1 Corinthians 10:31). 2. Saturate decisions in Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 3. Wait in prayerful silence – “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” (Psalm 37:7) 4. Invite godly counsel – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) 5. Test for peace and alignment – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) Cross-References That Reinforce the Lesson • Joshua consults the LORD before entering Canaan (Joshua 1:7-9). • David inquires of God before each battle (2 Samuel 5:19). • Jesus spends nights in prayer before appointing the Twelve (Luke 6:12-13). • The early church fasts and prays before commissioning leaders (Acts 13:2-3). Personal Takeaways for Modern Leaders • Resist the urge to rush; haste often masks pride. • Surround yourself with truth-tellers, not cheerleaders. • Let every platform—business, church, home—become an altar of surrender. • Remember that God can veto, redirect, or confirm; yield gladly. |
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