In what ways can we ensure our leaders follow God's will today? Setting the Scene 1 Samuel 8:2: “His firstborn son was Joel and his second was Abijah; they judged at Beersheba.” Israel would soon discover these men “did not walk in his ways” (v. 3). Their failure pushes us to ask how, in our day, we can encourage leaders who truly follow God. Diagnosis: When Leaders Drift - Samuel’s sons accepted bribes and perverted justice (1 Sm 8:3). - Their behavior shows that a godly heritage alone is not enough; ongoing vigilance is essential. Principle 1: Select Leaders by God’s Standards - Acts 6:3: choose servants “of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom.” - 1 Timothy 3:2-7 lists qualities—above reproach, self-controlled, not lovers of money. - Deuteronomy 17:15: appoint a leader “from among your brothers,” not a foreign model of power. Principle 2: Cultivate Accountability - Proverbs 11:14: “With many counselors there is safety.” - Establish plural leadership (elder boards, councils) so no one rules unchecked. - Rotate responsibilities and review finances openly to prevent the secret corners where sin breeds. Principle 3: Bathe Leadership in Prayer - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 commands prayers “for kings and all in authority.” - Regular intercession keeps both leaders and those they serve mindful of divine oversight. Principle 4: Equip with Sound Doctrine - Titus 1:9: leaders must “hold firmly to the trustworthy message.” - Provide ongoing teaching, conferences, and mentoring so leaders grow in truth and avoid drift. Principle 5: Model Obedience in the Community - Hebrews 13:7: imitate leaders who “speak the word of God” and live it. - When the body practices holiness, it lifts the bar for those at the helm. Principle 6: Speak Truth to Power—Gently - Nathan confronted David (2 Sm 12). - Galatians 6:1: restore anyone caught in sin “in a spirit of gentleness.” - Private, respectful correction followed by public transparency if necessary. Principle 7: Guard Against the Lure of Power - 2 Chronicles 26:16 warns that Uzziah grew proud “to his destruction.” - Limit terms, encourage servant-leadership, and celebrate humility, not charisma. Putting It All Together When we choose leaders by biblical criteria, keep them accountable, surround them with prayer, ground them in doctrine, demonstrate obedience ourselves, lovingly confront failure, and curb the seduction of power, we create an environment where leaders are far more likely to walk in God’s will—everything Samuel longed to see in his sons, and everything the Lord still desires today. |
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