What steps can we take to ensure our alliances honor God? Setting the Scene: 1 Kings 1:7 “Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they supported Adonijah.” Adonijah’s coalition shows how alliances formed for personal ambition—rather than God’s purposes—invite turmoil. By contrast, Scripture gives clear guidance for partnerships that honor the Lord. Step 1: Begin with God’s Revealed Will • Confirm the alliance aligns with Scripture’s explicit commands and principles. • David had already sworn that Solomon, not Adonijah, would reign (1 Kings 1:13, 30); ignoring that oath meant opposing God’s plan. • Cross-reference: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:105. Step 2: Examine the Character of Potential Allies • Joab was known for unchecked violence (2 Samuel 3:28-30; 20:10), and Abiathar’s loyalty was shifting. • Look for partners marked by faithfulness, humility, and obedience. • Cross-reference: Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Psalm 1:1. Step 3: Test Motives—Serve God, Not Self • Adonijah’s motive was self-exaltation (1 Kings 1:5). • Ask: Will this alliance advance God’s kingdom or merely inflate ego, influence, or comfort? • Cross-reference: James 3:14-17; Philippians 2:3-4. Step 4: Seek Wise, God-Centered Counsel • Nathan and Bathsheba consulted David for guidance (1 Kings 1:11-14). • Surround decisions with seasoned believers who prioritize Scripture over strategy. • Cross-reference: Proverbs 11:14; 15:22. Step 5: Guard Against Unequal Yoking • Scripture forbids binding ourselves with those who reject God’s authority (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Jehoshaphat’s alliance with wicked Ahab brought judgment (2 Chronicles 19:2). • Aim for partnerships where both parties confess Christ and pursue righteousness. Step 6: Confirm by the Fruit • The outcome of Adonijah’s alliance was chaos and eventual judgment (1 Kings 2:25, 34-35). • God-honoring alliances bear peace, justice, and spiritual growth (Galatians 5:22-23). • Evaluate early and often: Is the alliance producing godly results? Step 7: Stay Willing to Stand Alone • Nathan risked confronting the king to uphold God’s choice (1 Kings 1:24-27). • When an alliance drifts from truth, be prepared to withdraw (Ephesians 5:11). • Faithfulness to God outweighs the comfort of numbers. Step 8: Maintain Ongoing Accountability • Even righteous alliances need continual submission to God’s Word. • Regularly revisit goals, methods, and heart attitudes in light of Scripture (Hebrews 3:13). • Invite correction and keep repentance near. Putting It All Together An alliance that honors God begins and ends with His revealed will, is forged with people of proven godly character, is fueled by pure motives, and bears fruit consistent with the Spirit. Following these steps safeguards us from the pitfalls of Adonijah’s coalition and positions every partnership—whether personal, ministry, or vocational—to glorify the Lord. |
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