How can we ensure our leaders uphold biblical principles like in 1 Samuel 2:15? Setting the Scene - “Even before the fat was burned, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, ‘Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.’” (1 Samuel 2:15) - Eli’s sons treated God’s sacrifices like their personal buffet. Their abuse reminds us how quickly leaders can drift when no one holds Scripture—or them—above personal appetite. What Went Wrong with Eli’s Sons - Ignored clear commands (Leviticus 3:3-5). - Served themselves first, symbolically robbing God of His portion (1 Samuel 2:17). - Operated without accountability; even Eli’s rebuke came too late (1 Samuel 2:22-25). Biblical Safeguards for Choosing Leaders - Character before charisma • “An overseer, then, must be above reproach…” (1 Timothy 3:2-3). • God measures holiness, not hype. - Spirit-filled competence • “Select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.” (Acts 6:3). - Tested faithfulness • “He must not be a recent convert.” (1 Timothy 3:6). - Transparent stewardship • “We are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.” (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Establishing Ongoing Accountability - Teach the whole church to be Bereans (Acts 17:11). When people know Scripture, leaders can’t easily twist it. - Open books and open meetings. Financial and ministry decisions should be reviewable. - Plurality of leadership. A team of elders balances individual weakness (Proverbs 11:14). - Biblical confrontation, never gossip • “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder except on the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:19-21). • Private correction → public rebuke if unrepentant (Matthew 18:15-17). - Regular reaffirmation of qualifications. Leaders submit to yearly reviews against 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Practical Steps for the Church Today - Host quarterly Scripture-saturated training for current and prospective leaders. - Publish a simple budget summary each month; invite questions. - Rotate volunteers in areas prone to power abuse (finances, benevolence, worship platform). - Pair every ministry leader with a mature mentor for prayer and check-ins. - Encourage the congregation to speak up—early and respectfully—when they notice drift (Proverbs 28:23). Encouragement to Stand Firm - God still raises faithful leaders like Samuel amid corruption (1 Samuel 2:35). - “Obey your leaders and submit to them…for they will give an account.” (Hebrews 13:17). Both shepherds and sheep answer to the Chief Shepherd, ensuring no lapse will go unaddressed forever. When churches appoint leaders by Scripture and keep them tethered to Scripture, the fat stays on the altar, not on the fork. |
    |