How can church leaders today avoid the pitfalls seen in Jeroboam's leadership? Jeroboam: A Cautionary Snapshot “Even after this event, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil way, but again he appointed priests for the high places from among all the people. Anyone who wanted to be a priest he consecrated for the high places.” (1 Kings 13:33) Jeroboam’s response to God’s direct warning shows four glaring dangers for anyone shepherding God’s people. Pitfall #1: Persistent Unrepentance • Jeroboam “did not repent of his evil way.” • Psalm 51:17 reminds us that “a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” • 2 Corinthians 7:10 speaks of “godly sorrow” leading to life. Leaders must be the first to humble themselves when confronted by the Word. Pitfall #2: Unauthorized Worship • Jeroboam set up golden calves and alternate worship centers (1 Kings 12:28–31). • Deuteronomy 12:32 warns, “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.” • John 4:24 calls worshipers to approach God “in spirit and truth.” Any departure from God-given patterns invites disaster. Pitfall #3: Casual Approach to Ordination • “Anyone who wanted to be a priest he consecrated.” Desire became the sole qualification. • 1 Timothy 3:2–7 and Titus 1:6–9 lay out clear, character-driven standards. • Acts 20:28: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock….” Oversight begins with personal holiness, not popularity. Pitfall #4: Pragmatism Over Covenant Loyalty • Jeroboam feared losing political control (1 Kings 12:26–27), so he tailored religion for convenience. • 1 Samuel 15:22: “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Matthew 16:25: seeking to save one’s position often leads to losing it in God’s economy. Guardrails for Leaders Today • Practice quick, public repentance when sin surfaces (James 5:16). • Anchor every element of worship in Scripture—songs, sacraments, preaching, prayer (Acts 2:42). • Examine prospective leaders by biblical qualifications, not charisma or demand (1 Timothy 5:22; 1 Peter 5:2–3). • Make decisions by faithfulness, not expedience—trusting God to sustain the ministry (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Surround yourself with godly counselors who will confront error early (Proverbs 27:17). Christ—The Perfect Contrast • Where Jeroboam grasped for power, Jesus “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death” (Philippians 2:8). • Christ alone qualifies and supplies His undershepherds (Ephesians 4:11–12). • Abiding in Him enables leaders to steer clear of Jeroboam’s traps and to feed the flock with integrity until the Chief Shepherd appears (1 Peter 5:4). |
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