In what ways can we ensure our alliances honor God? The sobering lesson from Obadiah 1:7 “ ‘All the men allied with you will drive you to the border; the men at peace with you will deceive and overpower you. Those who eat your bread will set a trap for you—without your awareness of it.’ ” (Obadiah 1:7) Edom’s trusted partners betrayed them. God’s word, always accurate and literal, records this to warn every generation: unexamined alliances invite disaster. What went wrong with Edom’s alliances • Pride pushed Edom to lean on human strength instead of the LORD (vv. 3–4). • Their partners cared about gain, not covenant loyalty (v. 7). • Edom ignored prior warnings from Israel’s prophets and history (Amos 1:11–12). Principles for God-honoring alliances today • Place dependence on the LORD first, people second (Psalm 118:8-9). • Choose partners whose reverence for God shapes their decisions (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Measure every agreement by Scripture’s clear commands (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Value character over convenience; loyalty over leverage (Proverbs 13:20). • Refuse any partnership that pressures you to compromise obedience (James 4:4). Testing alliances through Scripture 1. Alignment test—Does it advance righteousness? “Do not be unequally yoked…” (2 Corinthians 6:14). 2. Influence test—Will this company sharpen or dull my faith? “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). 3. Counsel test—Are we walking in godly advice? “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” (Psalm 1:1). 4. Purpose test—Does it serve God’s kingdom, not merely personal gain? (Matthew 6:33). Keeping allegiance to the Lord foremost • Start every alliance-decision with prayerful dependence. • Invite mature believers to speak truth into the process (Proverbs 27:17). • Maintain transparency; hidden motives erode trust. • Renew covenant loyalty to God through regular worship and the Word. • Be ready to walk away when terms conflict with biblical conviction (Acts 5:29). Practical checkpoints • Written agreements that honor honesty and fairness (Leviticus 19:11). • Clear accountability structures to discourage deceit (Ephesians 5:11). • Ongoing evaluation: “Is the fruit still good?” (Matthew 7:16-18). • Mutual commitment to serve, not exploit (Philippians 2:3-4). Looking to the faithful Ally Human partners may fail, yet “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13-14), proving ultimate covenant faithfulness. Align every relationship under His lordship, and your alliances will honor God and stand secure. |
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