2 Chronicles 29:1,3-5 (NKJV) Hezekiah became king when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem… In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them. Then he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them in the East Square, and said to them: “Hear me, Levites! Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place.
Visionary leadership is an essential element for the success and well-being of any group, be it a family, city, or nation. When a leader loses their way, the entire team is at risk of being lost in confusion and chaos. The absence of a clear vision can lead to a lack of direction, fostering an environment of lawlessness and disorder. It takes confidence and faith to walk down the right path and go against populism.
King Hezekiah serves as an inspiring example of how a leader can transform a dire situation. Faced with many challenges—economic, spiritual, moral, and political turmoil, Hezekiah’s priority was to address the spiritual condition of the kingdom. He recognised the significance of the spiritual foundation and its pivotal role in his people’s well-being. Despite his youth, he demonstrated the courage to do what was right. His reign marked a turning point in the history of the kingdom of Judah.
Today, the 18 to 35-year-old age group is notably absent in many churches. This age group represents a pivotal stage in life, where young adults must make significant decisions regarding their faith and values. Parents, especially fathers who are the heads of the households, have the responsibility to ensure that their children are raised with godly principles. Wise spiritual leadership at home is crucial in shaping the spiritual foundations of the next generation.
The spiritual deterioration of the kingdom of Judah was the starting point of their troubles. Similarly, many of our problems can be traced back to our spiritual condition. Therefore, failure to prioritise spiritual guidance within the family can lead to children disconnecting from God once they leave home. Attending church is not enough. Parents must lead by example, modelling their walks with God. Such influence will leave a lasting impact on the faith and values of their children.
As for singles, the choices and priorities they set significantly influence their lives. Decisions regarding their relationship with God and their commitment to spiritual growth shape their path.
King Hezekiah’s example demonstrated how a leader with vision can transform a dire situation through a focus on spiritual renewal. Just like the decision of the king will determine the destiny of his people, our choices and priorities, whether as singles or heads of families, have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of our family members.
Sermon Series: Wise Leadership
有异象的领袖
历代志下29:1,3-5 希西家登基的时候年二十五岁，在耶路撒冷作王二十九年。他母亲名叫亚比雅，是撒迦利雅的女儿。。。元年正月，开了耶和华殿的门，重新修理。他召众祭司和利未人来，聚集在东边的宽阔处，对他们说，利未人哪，当听我说，现在你们要洁净自己，又洁净耶和华你们列祖神的殿，从圣所中除去污秽之物。
无论是在家庭、城市还是国家里，有异像的领导是促进任何团体成功和幸福的重要因素。当领导者迷失方向时，整个团队也有可能在困惑和混乱中迷失方向。缺乏清晰的异像会导致缺乏方向，从而形成没有章法和混乱的状态。需要信念和信心来走正确的道路和反民众主义。
希西家王是一个激励人心的榜样，展示了领导者如何改变严峻的局势。在面对经济、属灵、道德和政治动荡等诸多挑战下，希西家的首要任务是解决国家的属灵状况。他知道属灵基础的重要性及其对人民福祉的关键作用。尽管他很年轻，但他表现出了做正确事情的勇气。他的统治是犹大王国历史上的一个转折点。
今天，教会明显地缺失18 至 35 岁年龄段的人。这个年龄段是人生中的关键阶段，在这个阶段年轻人必须就自己的信仰和价值观做出重大的决定。父母，特别是作为一家之主的父亲，有责任确保他们的孩子在敬虔的原则下成长。有智慧的家庭属灵领袖对塑造下一代的属灵基础至关重要。
犹大王国的灵命败坏是他们苦难的起点。同样，我们的许多问题都可以追溯到我们的灵性状况。因此，在家庭中未能优先设立属灵指导可能会导致孩子一旦离开家就远离神。光去教会是不够的。父母必须以身作则，树立与神同行的榜样。这将对孩子的信仰和价值观产生持久的影响。
对于单身人士来说，他们所做的选择和优先考虑的事清会对他们的生活产生重大的影响。他们与神的关系以及他们对属灵成长的委身将塑造他们的道路。
希西家王的例子表明，有异像的领导者可以通过专注于灵命更新来改变严峻的局势。就像王的决定将决定他的人民的命运一样，我们的选择和优先事项，无论是作为单身人士还是家庭之主，都会对我们的生活和家庭成员的生命产生深远的影响。
讲章系列：智慧的领导力
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