How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in leadership decisions? Setting the Scene “ ‘And when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.’ ” (1 Kings 12:20) Israel chose its leader without first seeking the Lord. Within a single verse the nation exchanged a God-ordained dynasty for popular vote, a decision that soon birthed idolatry (12:28-30) and civil strife. Their story highlights a lasting truth: leadership calls for divine direction, not human impulse. Timeless Principle: Leadership Requires Divine Direction • God had already revealed His plan for Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:31-38), yet the people ignored the prophetic word and crowned him on their own terms. • Rehoboam did no better; he listened to peers instead of elders (12:6-11). Both north and south drifted because leaders and followers alike neglected to inquire of the Lord. • Scripture shows the opposite pattern in David, who “inquired of the LORD” before each campaign (1 Samuel 23:2-4; 30:8). Blessing followed his dependence. Steps to Seek God’s Guidance Today 1. Open His Word • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Let every decision sit under clear scriptural teaching; if the Word forbids it, guidance is already given. 2. Ask for Wisdom in Prayer • “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously… and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) • Bring the specifics of the leadership choice before the Father, confident He answers. 3. Seek Godly Counsel • “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) • Surround yourself with advisors who themselves submit to Scripture. 4. Wait for Confirmation • “Wait for the LORD; be strong and courageous.” (Psalm 27:14) • Rushed decisions often reveal self-reliance; patient waiting trusts God’s timing. 5. Obey Promptly • “Only be strong and very courageous to observe carefully all the law… do not turn from it to the right or to the left.” (Joshua 1:7) • Once direction is clear, half-hearted obedience becomes disobedience. Practical Takeaways for Leaders • Popular opinion is an unreliable compass; God’s voice is steady. (See 1 Kings 12:20 vs. Proverbs 29:25.) • Fear of losing position drives compromise; reverence for the Lord steadies conviction. (Jeroboam’s calves, 12:26-28.) • Unity flourishes when leaders submit to God; division follows self-made agendas. • Every sphere of leadership—home, church, workplace, government—thrives when Scripture, prayer, and wise counsel guide policy and practice. Encouraging Promises to Hold Onto • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Psalm 32:8 — “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” • Isaiah 30:21 — “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’ ” Following these patterns, leaders can avoid the pitfalls of 1 Kings 12 and walk in the confidence that comes from God-directed decisions. |
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