How can we ensure our leaders are not surrounded by "worthless and wicked" influences? Setting the Scene: When Leaders Yield to Worthless Company 2 Chronicles 13:7: “Then worthless and wicked men gathered around him to resist Rehoboam son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and inexperienced and could not withstand them.” What Went Wrong in Rehoboam’s Court • Jeroboam attracted men described as “worthless and wicked.” • These men emboldened rebellion and idolatry (1 Kings 12:28–30). • Rehoboam’s inexperience left Judah vulnerable; he lacked seasoned, god-fearing counselors (cf. 1 Kings 12:8). • The result was national division, spiritual decline, and prolonged conflict. Principles for Screening a Leader’s Inner Circle • Character first: “Select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate dishonest gain” (Exodus 18:21). • Proven faithfulness: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). • Alignment with truth: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). • Willingness to admonish: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5). • Spiritual discernment: “Test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Scriptural Warnings About Corrupt Companions • “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33) • “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked…” (Psalm 1:1–2) • “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20) Practical Action Steps for the Church Community • Continual intercession for leaders—praying specifically for righteous advisors (1 Timothy 2:1–2). • Teaching sound doctrine that shapes discernment (Titus 2:1). • Modeling transparent accountability structures—elders, deacons, and trusted peers who speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Encouraging leaders to cultivate personal devotional habits, anchoring decision-making in Scripture (Joshua 1:8). • Celebrating integrity publicly, reinforcing that character outweighs charisma (Proverbs 22:1). Encouraging Qualities God Desires in Advisors • Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) • Wisdom rooted in Scripture (James 3:17) • Humility and teachability (Philippians 2:3–4) • Courage to confront sin (Galatians 6:1) • Servant-heartedness patterned after Christ (Mark 10:43–45) A Closing Encouragement Leaders flourish when surrounded by servants who treasure God’s word, pursue holiness, and value truth over personal gain. By championing these priorities in prayer, teaching, and example, believers guard their leaders—and their communities—from the tragic influence of the worthless and wicked. |
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