What steps can we take to recognize and follow godly leadership today? The Scene in 2 Kings 3:12 “Jehoshaphat said, ‘The word of the LORD is with him.’ So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him.” (2 Kings 3:12) Three rulers are desperate for direction. Jehoshaphat knows exactly what to look for: a man saturated with God’s word. From this single sentence we draw a road map for spotting and following godly leadership today. Recognizing the Word-Anchored Leader • Prioritize Scripture saturation. If the leader’s teaching drifts from clear, contextual Bible exposition, move on (2 Timothy 4:2–3). • Test every counsel by the written Word (Acts 17:11). • Expect bold fidelity to the whole counsel of God, not selective proof-texts (Acts 20:27). Checking the Fruit of Character Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). Look for: • Integrity: blameless reputation inside and outside the church (1 Timothy 3:2, 7). • Humility: a servant mindset, not self-promotion (Mark 10:42-45). • Purity: consistent moral standards (Titus 1:6). • Peaceable spirit: “wisdom from above is…peace-loving, gentle” (James 3:17). If the fruit is rotten, the root is suspect—no matter how gifted the person appears. Watching for Spirit-Empowered Ministry Elisha’s miracles verified the Spirit’s presence (2 Kings 2:14-15). Today: • Look for spiritual edification, not mere entertainment (Ephesians 4:11-12). • Note answered prayer and transformed lives (Acts 11:23). • Gauge whether the ministry exalts Christ, not the leader (John 16:14). Seeking the Witness of the Body Jehoshaphat’s recognition was confirmed by two other kings. Collective discernment still matters: • Submit prospective leaders to the scrutiny of mature believers (Acts 13:1-3). • Value plural leadership where possible; shared oversight guards against abuse (Philippians 1:1; 1 Peter 5:1-3). • Weigh historical faithfulness—years, not months, of dependable service (1 Thessalonians 2:10). Following with Obedient Discernment When leaders pass the tests above: • Imitate their faith while ultimately following Christ (Hebrews 13:7). • Support them with honor and tangible help (1 Timothy 5:17-18). • Pray continually for their wisdom and protection (Colossians 4:3). • Maintain Berean vigilance; keep measuring everything by the Word (Acts 17:11). • If a leader deviates, obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Taking these steps lets us echo Jehoshaphat’s confidence: “The word of the LORD is with him,” and move forward under leadership that truly reflects the heart and authority of our Lord. |
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