What steps can we take to ensure our partnerships honor God? Why Partnerships Matter Healthy partnerships multiply influence, resources, and joy, yet they can also invite trouble when formed carelessly. Scripture treats the subject seriously because every alliance either amplifies obedience or hinders it. A Cautionary Tale: Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah 2 Chronicles 20:36: “He agreed with him to construct ships to go to Tarshish, and they built the ships in Ezion-geber.” 2 Chronicles 20:37: “But Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.’ So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish.” • Jehoshaphat loved the Lord yet ignored the character of Ahaziah, who “acted wickedly” (v. 35). • The venture looked profitable, but God sank the ships before they ever launched. • The outcome shows that shared projects cannot sanitize ungodly partners. Seven Steps to Build God-Honoring Partnerships 1. Cultivate single-hearted devotion to God. • Matthew 6:33 calls believers to “seek first the kingdom of God.” • Wholehearted obedience guards the heart from compromising for gain. 2. Evaluate a potential partner’s walk with God. • 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” • Psalm 1:1 and Proverbs 13:20 highlight the blessing of godly companions. 3. Align every goal with God’s glory. • Colossians 3:17 directs that “whatever you do” must be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • If an agreement cannot be pursued for His honor, it is unfit for His people. 4. Seek counsel from Scripture and mature believers. • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • The Word and wise counselors expose hidden dangers, just as Eliezer warned Jehoshaphat. 5. Pray and wait until the Lord gives peace. • Philippians 4:6-7 promises peace that “guards” hearts when requests are laid before Him. • Waiting protects against haste driven by fear of missing an opportunity. 6. Establish accountability and transparency from the start. • Galatians 6:2 urges believers to “carry one another’s burdens,” which includes financial and ethical matters. • Open books, written agreements, and mutual oversight keep integrity intact. 7. Remain ready to withdraw if obedience is threatened. • 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” • Stepping away can be costly yet proves trust in God rather than in human partnerships. Positive Models to Encourage Obedience • Jonathan and David shared covenant loyalty that strengthened faith (1 Samuel 18:3-4). • Paul and Silas endured hardship together and saw God open prison doors (Acts 16:19-26). • Priscilla and Aquila partnered with Paul to advance the gospel while protecting doctrinal purity (Acts 18:2-3, 18-19). Blessings that Flow from Obedient Alliances • United witness that displays Christ’s character to the world (John 17:23). • Shared joy as partners see God prosper work anchored in His will (Psalm 133:1-3). • Confidence that fruit will last because it rests on God’s approval, not mere human strategy (John 15:16). |
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