Do you use great care when developing strategic alliances? (153-1)

Wise Christian leaders make strategic alliances with great care. Read Isaiah 31:1-3.

The Lord spoke through Isaiah to condemn the leaders of Judah for seeking alliances with military partners for defense against the Assyrian Empire. Not just once but several times God warned the leaders in Judah not to make an alliance with Egypt. In spite of the warnings, the leaders in Judah chose the visible force who had chariots and trained warriors rather than the invisible time tested and proven, protection offered by God. God’s warning to the leaders was that, “…he who helps will stumble, he who is helped will fall; both will perish together” (v. 3).

Partnerships can be beneficial, but they can also be destructive. In this case, there was no way an alliance with Egypt, a corrupt ungodly, pagan nation, would do anything but corrupt Judah and divert their attention from dependence on God. The alliance would become a substitute for trusting God. Christian leaders today must be alert to the same trap.

Despite potential for danger, the scriptures tell of many instances where God blessed healthy alliances. Healthy alliances honor God, are mutually beneficial, help leaders multiply their efforts and advance their cause, offset their weaknesses, and elevate their strengths. The following are just a few elements to consider when establishing healthy alliances:

• Look for partners with similar core values. God-honoring core values ultimately generate God-honoring decisions and actions.
• Seek partners that have the specific strength that will offset your team’s weakness or current deficiency.
• Give as much as you get! Make sure that the alliance is mutually beneficial. One way benefits make for short lived partnerships.
• Hold up your end of the partnership by being loyal and trustworthy. Every alliance will eventually be tested by difficult circumstances.
• Build in escape clauses that allow either partner to exit the alliance with dignity. Alliances that are mutually beneficial are not in danger of collapse but if the partnership isn’t working out there should be a “way out” that does not force you to compromise your integrity.
• Look beyond the “talent match” to insure the people involved have a “heart match” and a “spirit match.”

Even though creating excellent alliances can be personally expensive, the results will be priceless.

Proverbs 11:14 “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors make victory sure.”