Why is it important to seek God's guidance in leadership roles today? The portrait of leadership in 1 Chronicles 5:24 “ These were the heads of their families: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel — mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families.” (1 Chronicles 5:24) • Recognized authority: “heads of their families” • Proven courage: “mighty men of valor” • Public reputation: “famous men” Yet status alone could not shield them from failure when they drifted from God (v. 25–26). Hidden danger: valor without vision • v. 25 records their unfaithfulness: they “prostituted themselves to the gods of the peoples of the land.” • Their leadership collapsed, and exile followed (v. 26). Moral: even the strongest leaders fall when they stop seeking the Lord. Why every leader must seek God’s guidance today • Human insight is limited. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Leaders influence many. “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:39) • Spiritual opposition is real. “Our struggle is… against the spiritual forces of evil.” (Ephesians 6:12) • Accountability is higher for leaders. “We who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) • God links guidance to success. “Be careful to do according to all the law… then you will prosper and succeed.” (Joshua 1:7-9) How to actively seek His guidance • Stay in the Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet.” (Psalm 119:105) • Ask for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” (James 1:5) • Obey what you already know: “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” (John 14:21) • Value godly counsel: “For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” (Proverbs 11:14) • Walk in the Spirit: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Encouraging snapshots: leaders who asked and received • Moses waited for God’s cloud before moving camp (Numbers 9:18-23). • David “inquired of the LORD” before battle and triumphed (2 Samuel 5:19). • Jehoshaphat fasted and prayed; God fought for Judah (2 Chronicles 20:3-30). • The early church prayed and fasted before sending Barnabas and Saul (Acts 13:2-3). Sobering contrasts: when guidance was ignored • Saul offered sacrifice impatiently; the kingdom was torn from him (1 Samuel 13:13-14). • Uzziah usurped priestly authority; leprosy ended his reign (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Practical next steps for leaders • Begin decisions with Scripture and prayer. • Build accountability with mature believers. • Filter plans through Christ’s character and the fruit of the Spirit. • Leave room for God’s timing; avoid rushed choices. Final takeaway Courage, fame, and authority are gifts, but they thrive only when anchored in daily dependence on the Lord who promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” (Psalm 32:8) Seeking His guidance is the lifeline that keeps leadership effective and eternally fruitful. |
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