Last week we looked at leading with power, not power to rule and abuse but the power of the Holy Spirit in order to lead in a godly way. Today let us focus on leading with wisdom.
Wisdom is not knowledge. Knowledge is having information; wisdom is knowing how to use information to make judicious decisions in a manner that is honoring to God and best for those the decision will affect. Following this course of action is not always easy.
James, the brother of Jesus, was careful to help us in understanding the difference between godly wisdom and the wisdom of the world. First, he described what earthly wisdom looks like.
But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. (James 3:14-16, New Living Translation)
As a leader, if you see any of the qualities James mentioned here in your relationships with those you lead or among the people you are called to lead, it a sure sign that something other than godly wisdom is at work in your ministry. It is very easy to get squeezed into the mold of the culture and be a leader who is driven by selfish ambition and cover it with boasting and lying.
James did not leave us with the downside of worldly wisdom he also gave a clear picture of what godly wisdom would look like when it is at work in our life and ministry.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (James 3:17, NLT).
This kind of wisdom comes only from God who is ready to give it to any who ask. I will also warn you: applying the wisdom of God sometimes comes at a cost. Leaders who chose to lead with the wisdom of God may face opposition from the very people they are called to lead because not everyone wants to be led according to the wisdom that comes from God.
Knowledge of the community in which you minister is vital; developing leadership competencies is also critical. However, without the wisdom of God at work in your life, you will struggle to be effective in your role in the building of God’s kingdom.
With all the access to information that is available today it very easy to get caught up in the hype of all that is happening around you and forget that if you are going to lead well, you have to lead with the wisdom that comes from God.
James again challenges us: “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13, NLT).
Take the time to seek and apply the wisdom of God in all that you do, in every area of life. This will require that you admit your limitations, even with all the knowledge and information you may have, and seek God with all your heart asking Him for wisdom to make good decisions.
James tells us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5).
Do you feel stuck at the moment, not sure what is the next step to take, or unsure of how to take the next step in a big decision you are facing? Pause, admit your limitations and ask God to give you the wisdom you need to take the step. He is generous with giving out his wisdom.
If you would like help in achieving your goals as a leader or in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.