Tag: Wisdom

God’s Mission for Leaders…

Nothing is more important to leaders than God’s mission.

From Genesis through Revelation, God has guided, directed, moved, ushered, and advanced His will through individuals and nations to ultimately provide an avenue to reconcile all of humanity to Himself through Jesus.

The lessons presented throughout the Bible help us understand a direction for leading God’s people today based on the divine principles practiced throughout biblical history.

Humility, courage, trust, and service are all characteristics found in leaders through whom God displayed His power, wisdom and presence.

Success is the result of fulfilling God’s mission on earth. Let us live to carry out that mission.

Wise Leaders…

Wisdom is defined as the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Practically speaking, wisdom is the proper application of knowledge.

One of the most notable illustrations of leadership wisdom is found in King Solomon. The request of Solomon was a discerning heart to rule God’s people. This does not mean that Solomon was without faults, but God granted his request.

Leaders should ask God for wisdom. He gives generously to those who ask in faith.

The wisdom from God possesses specific qualities described as pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy (Jas. 3:17).

The Choice: Life or Death…

An examination of Moses’ life highlights the grooming of a godly leader who represents wisdom, strength, and tenacity.

As Moses addressed the nation, he presented a blessing and a curse, life and death. He urged them to choose life that they might live.

Amidst the challenges of leadership in this postmodern, individualistic world, perhaps the simple offer by Moses can redirect our attention to the heart of the matter.

God extends the same offer now as He did then: A blessing and a curse, life and death. The choice is made by each individual.

As leaders, our task is to encourage others to choose wisely.

Testing Leadership Character…

In the words of John Holt, Jr., “The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don’t know what to do.”

Leaders need the qualities of patience, understanding, thoughtful reflection, the exercise of caution, and more.

Decisions can be made rashly and without a proper foundation. The result often brings serious consequences.

Seeking the counsel of others who have walked the same paths opens leaders to greater wisdom, new alternatives, and angles of consideration.

When leaders find themselves not knowing what to do, the best option is to pray!

Finding Answers for Leadership…

Trials are part of life. Fear, anxiety, and frustration take control quickly. People seek answers.

When adversity occurs, or questions arise, where do leaders go to find answers?

Leaders provide guidance, direction, encouragement, support, and answers to help others overcome their fears, anxiety, and frustration. Where do leaders find these answers?

Prayer is a good place to start.
Spend time listening to God’s word. 
Counsel the wisdom of others.
Learn the value of trust.
Admit mistakes that occur.
Never miss an opportunity to learn. 

The more prepared we are for the questions plaguing others, the stronger our leadership becomes.

Unscriptural or Uncomfortable…

A thin line exists between the two and leaders are challenged to recognize the difference. How?

Know the book. When knowledge of God’s word is weak, leaders will not know if something is Biblical or not.

Seek wisdom through prayer. This is not a prayer before a meeting, but a “without ceasing” approach to seek God’s guidance.

Ask the right questions. Asking why we do something opens a door to greater understanding.

Be patient. Decisions should rarely be made in one meeting. Give it time, but be careful not to procrastinate.

A few steps will help us determine the difference in what is unscriptural versus uncomfortable.

Right Decision, Right Time…

When leaders face decisions, it is critical to ask, “Is this the right time?”

Leaders have struggled with the results of making the right decision at the wrong time. The key is learning to make the right decision at the right time.

How do we learn this art?

Start with prayer. Consult the One who knows the past, present and future.

Counsel the wisdom of others. Seek advice from those who experienced similar decisions.

Admit wrong decisions. Never deny, ignore, or blame others for wrong decisions.

Timing can make or break a leader. Taking the right path improves our timing.

SALT Fun Fact #7

“In biblical Judaism, salt was mixed with animal sacrifices (Leviticus 2:13). This salt was a symbol of wisdom, discretion, and an enduring covenant. In the East, salt is an expression for the league of mutual amity. When the Arabs make a covenant together, they put salt on the blade of a sword, from whence everyone puts a little into his mouth. This constitutes blood relations and they remain faithful to each other, even when in danger of life. Leadership is a continual commitment, a covenant of sorts, to sacrificially exercise wisdom and discretion.” Wayne Roberts

Thank you Wayne for filling our bucket with amazing and powerful thoughts related to leadership and its connection to SALT. May we commit ourselves to the covenant of leading. May we give, and give up, whatever it takes to proceed with such wisdom and discretion.