Decisions of Wise Leaders
Kingdom leaders are called on to make wise decisions that honor Christ and accomplish God-given mission. It seems that when we are just beginning our leadership careers the decisions we make are often choices between good and bad; right or wrong; black or white. But the longer we serve and the more influence and responsibility we have the more challenging the choices. Now it is a choice between good, better, and best; right or right for this situation and context; or it can seem as if all decisions are all different shades of gray.
The following are some decision-making principles that can help when having to make a ‘tough call’ —
• Spiritual leaders are called upon to make wise decisions. Wisdom comes from God. We can have it, if we ask for it! James 1:5-8
• Wisdom in decision-making is insight into the true nature of things and discernment as to which option to take. James 3:13, 17
• Decision making styles: vary; there is no right or wrong style for the context can determine which style is best to use at which time: autocratic; participatory (consultative or consensus); or democratic
• Steps to Making Wise Decisions
1. Pray for Godly wisdom. James 1:5
2. Believe that God will lead you. James 1:6
3. Go to the Word for direction. Ps. 119:105, 130
4. Think! Use your mind! Prov. 14:8; 1 Pet. 1:13
5. Seek counsel from other leaders. Prov. 15:22
6. Wait for God to clarify the options.
7. Decide!
8. Be responsible for your decisions.
• Obstacles to Making Wise Decisions
1. Fear of failure Ecc. 11:4; Prov. 24:16
2. Haste Prov. 19:2
3. Bad motives James 3:13-16
4. Lack of emotional control Prov. 29:11, 22
• All (I’m excluding involuntary reflexes) decisions have to go through our: emotions, intellect, and will
• Time verifies good decisions and exposes the fallacy of poor decisions. Luke 7:35
• Delegating helps insure that the team leader is making decisions concerning the most important issues. Genesis 18:17-26
So what decisions are you making today? Have you taken the time to reflect upon some of your previous decisions to determine what ones were wise and what ones not? Is there a tough decision that you’ve been putting off? It’s time to decide!
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 