How can we seek God's guidance to lead righteously, unlike Jehoram? Seeing Jehoram’s Example - 2 Kings 3:2 records: “And he did evil in the sight of the LORD, but not to the extent of his father and mother; he removed the sacred pillar of Baal that his father had made.” - Jehoram took a small step in the right direction—tearing down one idol—yet clung to the golden calves of Jeroboam (v. 3). - His partial obedience left the nation spiritually adrift and invited God’s displeasure. Recognizing the Heart of the Problem - Compromise: Jehoram wanted the Lord’s help without surrendering fully to the Lord’s rule. - Self-reliance: When crisis came, he blamed God instead of examining his own heart (2 Kings 3:10). - Lesson: Anything less than wholehearted obedience keeps us from God’s full guidance and blessing. Essential Practices for Seeking God’s Guidance 1. Repent Quickly and Completely • Psalm 139:23-24 — “Search me, O God… and lead me in the everlasting way.” • Genuine repentance clears the channel for divine direction. 2. Immerse Yourself in Scripture • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Joshua 1:8 shows meditation and obedience to the written Word bring success. 3. Ask Boldly in Prayer • James 1:5 — “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” • Philippians 4:6-7 promises peace that guards decisions and hearts. 4. Obey Promptly and Fully • John 14:21 — “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • Deuteronomy 5:32-33 urges turning neither right nor left—unlike Jehoram’s halfway measures. 5. Seek Godly Counsel • Proverbs 11:14; 15:22 — safety and success come with many counselors who fear the Lord. • Elisha offered true guidance in Jehoram’s day (2 Kings 3:11-12); wise leaders still need prophetic voices. 6. Stay Engaged with Covenant Community • Hebrews 10:24-25 — stirring one another to love and good works keeps us on course. • Isolation breeds the kind of independent streak that sank Jehoram. 7. Guard Against Syncretism • 2 Corinthians 6:17 — “Come out from among them and be separate.” • 1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world’s system; mixing truth with idolatry always corrupts leadership. Blessings of Righteous Leadership - Proverbs 14:34 — “Righteousness exalts a nation.” - Deuteronomy 28:1-2 — obedient leaders position their people for overflowing blessing. - Psalm 72 paints the picture of a just ruler who refreshes the land “like showers on newly sown fields.” Living Out Righteous Leadership Today Choose full surrender over partial reform. Saturate mind and schedule with God’s Word, voice, and people. Lead decisively in obedience, trusting the Lord who infallibly speaks through Scripture. In doing so we avoid Jehoram’s compromise and step into the clear, steady guidance that produces righteous influence and lasting fruit. |
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