Leading Through Change Devotional-Part 1

 Day 1-Wisdom’s Instruction

 

Proverbs 29:18

“Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”

 

While growing up, watching old westerns was a favorite tradition of mine. The Lone Ranger was my favorite but I also enjoyed Roy Rogers and Billy the Kid, among others. A common storyline in many of the plots is of a lawman or cowboy who comes in and rids a town of its bandits and lawlessness. The chaos within these places was caused by a lack of law-abiding citizens or counterfeit lawmen who were turning a blind eye to the wrongdoing of a gang or outlaw. Because there was no restraint on those within the town, crime and violence would run rampant. While it may not come with the same excitement or challenges, visionary leadership is quite similar to the situation the “good guys” would enter in the Old West. Instead of trying to restore order to a chaotic western town, visionary leaders are seeking to give framework and direction to an organization, sometimes after years of mismanagement or a stagnate culture.

In reference to Proverbs 29:18, when people don’t recognize the need for boundaries or the purpose of various objectives, it’s easy to cast them aside or ignore them. The visionary leader must cast a vision of clear direction that provides an understanding of the why behind it and an accountability structure that communicates the significance of that purpose and mission. Christian author John Maxwell says, “people buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.” This was certainly true of all the stories I would watch, especially the Lone Ranger. When he rode into a new town, even those who had never seen him before would quickly give him resources, put their lives in his hand, or simply trust him because of the reputation of that preceded him. They knew that when he had a plan, it would be successful because of the vision he had of any situation. This verse also tells us that there is blessing for those who heed wisdom’s instruction. This includes the visionary guidance of a leader when their mission aligns with the wisdom and principles of God’s Word. Is it coincidental that as soon as law and order was restored to a town, they would once again become prosperous and vibrant community? It is amazing that true freedom comes within the confines of wisdom and God’s laws.

 

Questions for Consideration:

1. Are there areas or positions within your organization that no vision has been cast for?
2. Is the vision for your organization and its implementation aligned with “wisdom’s instruction?