LEADERSHIP THAT SEEKS DIVINE APPROVAL

LEADERSHIP THAT SEEKS DIVINE APPROVAL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Chronicles 13:1-4

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 30:21, 2 Chronicles 20:3

INTRODUCTION:
Leadership is not merely about position or popularity; it is about carrying out divine purpose with heavenly approval. In an age where many leaders make decisions based on human counsel or popular opinion, godly leadership requires seeking God's mind first.

David, though anointed king and supported by the people, understood the importance of consulting God before acting. He teaches us that every leader, whether in ministry, government, or family, must learn to put divine counsel first.

God honours leaders who humble themselves to acknowledge Him. Those who fear God and seek His guidance are more likely to lead their people rightly and bring glory to His name.

1. DIVINE APPROVAL PRECEDES SUCCESSFUL LEADERSHIP

- a) Human agreement does not equal divine approval (Proverbs 14:12)
Just because people agree doesn’t mean God agrees. Human applause without God's presence leads to failure.

- b) True leaders prioritise what God says above what man says (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Trusting in God's direction brings lasting success. Leaning on human wisdom alone can be disastrous.

- c) Divine guidance secures divine backing (Psalm 32:8)
When leaders follow God's counsel, they enjoy divine presence, wisdom, and favour.

- d) Leadership without divine guidance is directionless (Isaiah 30:21)
Without God’s voice, leaders can lead their people into confusion, rebellion, and ruin.

Biblical Example:
Jehoshaphat sought the Lord before battle in 2 Chronicles 20:3, and God granted him supernatural victory.

2. CONSULTATION WITH MEN SHOULD FOLLOW CONSULTATION WITH GOD

- a) David sought advice from leaders but made God his first priority (1 Chronicles 13:1-2)
He honoured the elders and captains but ensured God’s counsel was supreme.

- b) Balanced leadership honours both divine and human insight (James 1:5)
Asking God for wisdom helps a leader make better use of human counsel.

- c) Godly leaders build consensus through spiritual direction (Proverbs 11:14)
Wise leaders are guided by the Spirit and use godly counsel to build unity.

- d) Spiritual leadership is inclusive but not people-pleasing (Galatians 1:10)
A good leader hears the people but obeys God above all.

Biblical Example:
Moses often listened to the people, but ultimately followed God's instructions even when it was unpopular (Exodus 18:13-26, Numbers 20:7-12).

3. SEEKING GOD EARLY LEADS TO LASTING PEACE

- a) Leadership decisions affect generations (Deuteronomy 30:19)
When leaders choose God early, they set the stage for peace and stability in their nation, ministry, or family.

- b) Delayed consultation may lead to avoidable errors (Joshua 9:14)
Israel failed to ask God before making a treaty with the Gibeonites, and it became a snare.

- c) Prompt obedience brings prompt divine response (Psalm 119:60)
Leaders must not delay in seeking and following God’s instructions.

- d) Divine direction early prevents unnecessary suffering (Isaiah 48:17-18)
God longs to guide His people to profit, not hardship.

Biblical Example:
David sought God’s direction early in battles, and God gave him strategies that ensured victory (2 Samuel 5:19-25).

4. A LEADER’S SPIRITUAL SENSITIVITY AFFECTS THE PEOPLE

- a) When leaders are sensitive to God, the people follow rightly (Acts 6:3-5)
Spirit-led leaders set a godly example for those under their leadership.

- b) The spiritual posture of a leader influences corporate blessing (Psalm 133:1-3)
Unity and anointing flow when leadership is aligned with God.

- c) Carnal leadership results in spiritual drought (Hosea 4:6)
When leaders lack spiritual direction, the people suffer ignorance and destruction.

- d) God rewards leaders who prioritise Him (1 Samuel 2:30)
Honour for God attracts honour from God.

Biblical Example:
Samuel’s spiritual sensitivity preserved Israel during his leadership (1 Samuel 7:7-13).

5. LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY BEFORE GOD IS MANDATORY

- a) Every leader must give account to God (Hebrews 13:17)
Leadership is not a privilege without responsibility; it is a divine trust.

- b) God does not excuse wrong leadership (Ezekiel 34:2-10)
Negligent or selfish leaders are judged harshly by God.

- c) A heart for God leads to leadership after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14)
God seeks leaders whose loyalty is to Him first.

- d) Leaders must constantly align with God’s word (Joshua 1:8)
A leader’s meditation and obedience to God’s Word keeps him grounded and prosperous.

Biblical Example:
David was known as a man after God’s heart because of his accountability and repentance (Psalm 51; Acts 13:22).

CONCLUSION:
Leadership without divine consultation is dangerous. Even when people support a leader, the absence of God’s guidance leads to failure. Every decision must begin at the altar of prayer and inquiry.

Godly leadership is about dependence on divine direction, humility before God's will, and consistency in honouring God above all. The safety and prosperity of those we lead often hinge on how closely we walk with God.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a heart that always seeks Your will first.
2. Father, help me to never lead by human wisdom alone.
3. Lord, fill me with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in leadership.
4. I refuse to take any step without divine direction in Jesus’ name.
5. Father, let my leadership reflect Your character and priorities.
6. Deliver me from the pride of trusting in men over God.
7. Lord, help me build consensus without compromising Your truth.
8. I receive grace to always consult You before making decisions.
9. Let my leadership bring peace, progress, and Your presence.
10. Lord, make me a leader who honours You above all.