Proverbs 20:24 (NIV) A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?
For the Christian Leader, this may be a “Well, Duh!” verse. Of course! Really? Interesting conundrum here: we have a responsibility to think and act; but in our doing so, we never contradict God’s sovereignty.
As one moves through management and into leadership, bosses, processes or initiatives, which seem to be outside the spiritual realm, most often direct steps. This verse is one of those very tough leadership verses for we supposedly “know the way.”
You’re the leader: Strategy has been formulated. Implementation is in process. The vision is shared. The team is focused on the mission. Actions are shaped by the core values. You inspire and motive. You lead. But it’s not autonomous.
The key here is that this verse is PERSONAL – it's our individual steps that God controls. He works in all things – our bad decisions as well as our good ones – for His glory and purpose.
Scripture makes it clear: to lead, we must first be willing to be led, which demands of us a constant dependence on God. When I stop depending on Him and just venture out with a “Griff-generated-thing,” it most often results in being all about me. Not good. That’s “walking by sight” – not by faith.
Are you joining God, in prayer and by faith, to direct your “steps” – even at work?
Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell
Friday, November 20, 2009
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3 comments:
I instituted a servant leadership approach throughout my organization, and it is amazing how it has changed not only our leaders but also our rank-and-file. Perhaps the best example of a servant leader is Jesus, and I can use that analogy with a number of the junior leaders.
Blessings to you...you are on a great journey.A S-L approach is often misunderstood, misinterpreted, and misrepresented by others in the organization. I pray God's grace as you continue to lead as He did when He on earth.
I find that it is also sometimes feared. I do a reverse evaluation that seems to get at much of the misinterpretation and even fear.
Thank you for your kind words and good wishes. I sense very much that God is leading here, not me. I am just following even though I have the title at work of leader!
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