Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over…and expecting a different result.”
Often in leadership we must make difficult, at times highly unpopular, decisions, given our desire to see different results, personally and professionally.
Recently, I’ve seen this play out, on both a micro and macro level, at my home church in Washington DC. As a result, I’ve found myself reflecting on core convictions regarding the biblical process of decision-making.
Haddon W. Robinson has written a powerful book, entitled Decision Making By the Book, where he notes an essential attitude and aptitude for biblical decision-making:
– “God has given us tremendous freedom and responsibility in making decisions. When seeking to carry out that responsibility, the place for us to begin is in an attitude of complete submission to the sovereign will of the all-powerful God.”
– “To make good decisions I need to be mighty in the Word of God. This is not a peripheral issue. I need to know the Scriptures—the New Testament and the Old.”
With that attitude of complete submission and aptitude of biblical literacy in mind, these are three questions I use to evaluate personal and professional decision-making:
1. Was the decision bathed in prayer?
-If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
2. Did I seek wisdom in Scripture?
-Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)
3. Did I seek wise counsel?
-Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Prov. 11:14)
CAUTION:
-Beware…
Breeding discord
Creating disunity and divisiveness
-We recognize our passion
Remember our role – WE are the primary disciplers of our children
-As parents we know:
It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it
It’s not what you say, it’s how you say
Tithing – Not….
-Stockholder’s meeting
-Kid with his ball on a playground
-This isn’t the same as your child’s education: I pay my taxes!
Stewards of God’s resources; not something to use for blackmail
Confrontation –
-If you see that, we have a responsibility to speak truth in love
-Bear One Another’s Burdens
Gal.6: 1-2
1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
-Remember our children are watching us…
Are we going to talk ABOUT people or practice Matt 18:15 and talk TO people.
