Follow Jesus’ example (Wisdom)
This blog is the eighth in a new series on excellence in leadership. Drawn from Chapter 11 of my book “More Than Your Business Card,” it explores Jesus’ conduct as the perfect example we are called to imitate.
GREAT LEADERS VALUE WISDOM
The Oxford English Dictionary defines wisdom as the “capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgement in the choice of means and ends.” On many occasions, I witnessed firsthand great wisdom brought to bear on problems and opportunities by boards of directors on which I have served. Board members bring a wide range of experience and intelligence to decision-making on various issues. And most of these decisions incorporate the application of moral choices.
As God incarnate, Jesus is by far the wisest person in history. Not even King Solomon of the Hebrew Scriptures comes close! In his letter to the newly established church in Rome, the apostle Paul made the following assertion: Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? (Romans 11:33–34).
Over the centuries, many people have commented on the wisdom of Jesus’ words and actions during His earthly ministry. Jesus ascribed great wisdom to the little children who readily received the truth that He was the One ushering in the kingdom of God’s rule. He considered children wiser than their parents in certain areas. I read somewhere the following advice from children. These gems support the argument that simple thoughts are often the wisest: “If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.” (Naomi, age fifteen); “Never try to baptize a cat.” (Eileen, age eight); and “Never trust a dog to watch your food.” (Patrick, age ten).
In our knowledge culture, we face the obstacle of uncurated information overload!
Of course, in our knowledge culture, we adults face the obstacle of uncurated information overload! Here are three of the rules I apply (not always successfully!) when trying to make wise decisions:
Screen out information that is not helpful to achieving one’s personal and professional goals. I often unsubscribe from information sources that might once have been useful but are no longer. Put differently, manage your inbox rather than letting it manage you!
Base decisions on facts, not feelings. Today, it seems that far too many ideas and decisions are based upon feelings and preferences rather than solid supporting evidence. Ultimately wisdom combines knowing and applying truth. And truth is objective, not subjective. There’s no such thing as his or her truth! If these “truths” aren’t objectively true, they are simply opinions.
Most importantly, seek God’s perspective on every decision. After all, all His ways are perfect. Given that He is all-wise, we should always tap into His wisdom as set forth in Scripture illuminated by the Holy Spirit, who indwells every believer. King Solomon of biblical fame asked God for wisdom and God granted it in abundance. Being no respecter of persons, God is happy to likewise provide it in abundance to all who earnestly seek Him!
Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
