In what ways can we ensure our alliances honor God, as seen in 2 Kings 10:15? Setting the Scene: Jehu Meets Jehonadab “Is your heart right, as mine is with yours?” (2 Kings 10:15). Jehu, freshly anointed to eradicate Baal worship, pauses to test Jehonadab’s allegiance to the LORD before sharing a chariot. From that straightforward exchange flow timeless safeguards for any alliance we form today. Principle 1: Shared Zeal for the LORD Comes First • Jehu’s opening question targeted the heart, not convenience or strategy. • Alliances that honor God begin with people equally surrendered to Him. • Scripture reinforces the point: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Ask, “Is this person or group as committed to Christ’s glory as I am?” Principle 2: Test and Confirm Genuine Commitment • Jehu waited for a clear, verbal pledge before extending his hand. • Words and deeds must harmonize. “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). • Look for consistent obedience, doctrinal soundness, and visible fruit of the Spirit. Principle 3: Align Around God’s Purposes, Not Personal Agenda • Jehu’s mission was God-given: purge idolatry. Jehonadab joined that divine assignment. • Partnerships built on selfish gain eventually fracture; partnerships built on God’s revealed will endure. • “Can two walk together without agreeing where to go?” (Amos 3:3). Principle 4: Provide Mutual Accountability and Encouragement • Jehu pulled Jehonadab into the chariot—side-by-side, not as a passenger behind him. • God-honoring alliances strengthen both parties: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). • Invite feedback, correction, and shared celebration of God’s victories. Principle 5: Guard Against Compromise After the Handshake • Later, Jehu faltered by keeping the golden calves (2 Kings 10:29). A solid start needs sustained faithfulness. • Keep revisiting the alliance’s spiritual health. “Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for” (2 John 1:8). • If drift appears, lovingly confront or, if necessary, withdraw (2 Chron 19:2). Putting It Into Practice 1. Examine every potential partnership—friendships, business deals, ministry teams—through the lens of 2 Kings 10:15. 2. Require a shared, living devotion to Christ before locking arms. 3. Define together how the alliance will advance God’s purposes. 4. Establish rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and accountability to keep hearts aligned. 5. Remain alert; protect the alliance from compromise so it continues to magnify the LORD. By following Jehu’s simple but profound question—“Is your heart right, as mine is with yours?”—our alliances can reflect God’s holiness, further His mission, and stand the test of time. |
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