What steps can we take to prevent power from corrupting us, like Athaliah? Setting the Scene: Athaliah’s Downward Spiral “When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs.” (2 Kings 11:1) Power slipped into Athaliah’s hands, and she tightened her grip by eliminating every perceived rival—including her own grandchildren. Her story reminds us how quickly authority can twist a heart that is unguarded. Step 1 – Acknowledge God as the True King • Psalm 24:1 places everyone under the same Lord: “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness…” • Any influence we hold is borrowed, not owned. Daily confessing that truth curbs the illusion of autonomous power. • Practical move: Begin decisions with, “Lord, this belongs to You—what honors You here?” Step 2 – Keep Scripture in Constant Reach • Deuteronomy 17:18-20 commanded Israel’s kings to copy the Law by hand “so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God… and not consider himself better than his brothers.” • Personal application: Write, recite, or post verses that address pride (Proverbs 16:18) and servant leadership (Matthew 20:25-28). Step 3 – Cultivate Humility • James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” • Make room for small duties—wash dishes, stack chairs, send unnoticed notes of encouragement. These ordinary acts battle the lie that we’ve “moved past” such tasks. Step 4 – Surround Yourself with God-Fearing Counsel • Athaliah isolated herself; Jehoiada the priest, on the other hand, protected young Joash through godly teamwork (2 Kings 11:4-8). • Seek voices willing to contradict you. Proverbs 27:6 praises “faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Establish at least two people authorized to challenge your decisions. Step 5 – Build Transparent Accountability Structures • Hebrews 13:17 teaches mutual responsibility—leaders answer to God; followers watch their leaders’ souls. • Share calendars, budgets, and goals with trusted overseers. Regular, scheduled check-ins strip secrecy of its power. Step 6 – Serve, Don’t Exploit • 1 Peter 5:2-3 warns elders not to lord authority but to be examples. • Ask, “How will this choice bless those under my care?” before asking, “How will it benefit me?” Step 7 – Guard Against Envy and Comparison • Athaliah’s massacre flowed from rivalry. • Galatians 5:26 cautions: “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.” • Celebrate others’ successes aloud; it trains the heart to rejoice rather than compete. Step 8 – Confess and Repent Quickly • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us…” • Keep short accounts with God and people. The longer sin ferments, the stronger its grip. Step 9 – Remember the Final Audit • Romans 14:12: “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” • Meditating on that coming day reshapes motives today. Step 10 – Stay Amazed by Grace • 2 Corinthians 4:7 calls us “treasures in jars of clay,” highlighting our frailty and God’s power. • Gratitude for unearned grace knocks the wind out of arrogance; we lead as forgiven sinners, not entitled rulers. Walking Away Athaliah shows where unchecked ambition ends. Embracing these Scripture-anchored practices keeps power in its proper place—under the Lordship of Christ and in service to His people. |
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