How can leaders ensure they "follow the LORD" in their decision-making? The Verse in Focus “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) Key Ideas for Leaders • Trust: wholehearted reliance on the LORD’s character and promises • Humility: refusal to elevate personal insight above God’s wisdom • Acknowledgment: deliberate recognition of God’s authority in every sphere • Guidance: a straight path—clear direction, protected from deviation Practical Steps to Follow the LORD in Decision-Making 1. Saturate every decision with Scripture • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” • Measure options against explicit biblical commands and principles. 2. Seek God in prayer before, during, and after planning • Philippians 4:6—bring “everything” to God. • James 1:5—ask for wisdom “without doubting.” 3. Invite godly counsel • Proverbs 11:14—“victory is won through many advisers.” • Prefer counselors who themselves submit to Scripture. 4. Watch providence without letting circumstances override Scripture • Acts 16:6–10—Paul waited for the Spirit’s clear opening. • Confirm open doors with biblical truth, not convenience. 5. Embrace obedience over outcomes • 1 Samuel 15:22—“to obey is better than sacrifice.” • Success is defined by faithfulness, not by human metrics. 6. Remain teachable and willing to pivot • Isaiah 55:8–9—God’s thoughts are higher. • Hold plans loosely; hold God’s Word tightly. Examples of God-Directed Leadership • Moses (Exodus 33:12–17): refused to move without God’s presence. • Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3–17): proclaimed a fast, sought the LORD, received clear strategy. • The early church (Acts 6:3–4): prioritized prayer and the Word before selecting leaders. Common Pitfalls to Avoid • Relying on charisma or past success rather than daily dependence on God • Confusing popular opinion with God’s will • Rushing decisions to appease pressure or fear • Neglecting small, private obediences while focusing on public outcomes Encouraging Promises to Hold • Psalm 32:8—“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” • Isaiah 30:21—“Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way. Walk in it.’” • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Summary Takeaways Leaders follow the LORD by trusting His Word completely, seeking Him continually, welcoming wise counsel, and obeying promptly. When every decision is filtered through Scripture, prayer, and humble dependence, He straightens the path—protecting from error and guiding toward His perfect purposes. |
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