Adapted from John C Maxwell, Daily Inspiration for Leaders.
Bible Verse: Numbers 20:12. Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not believe Me, to hallow me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.
We learn something valuable about leadership at the expense of Moses in Numbers 20. By this point Moses felt weary of the complaining, the stagnation and the lack of progress among the people. He was running on empty. And in his weekened condition he made a decision that cost him his future.
Directed by God to speak to a rock in order to get water for the nation, in anger he struck it. He reacted in fury rather than obeying with poise, and for his disobedience he was barred from entering the Promised Land.
In the Samoan context, Moses got fia faalii which is a condition of attitude that is a mixture of rebellion and anger towards authority which we also see in our children from time to time. As parents, when our children are fia faalii, it is becomes less about what they did, and more about the fact that they showed us attitude.
This sad incident teaches is at least 2 lessons. First, never make a major decision during an emotionally low time. Second, choose to be proactive, not reactive, in your leadership. Don’t let your mandate come from the grumbling of the crowd. Stay focused on God. Get your cues from God and the mission He has given you. And keep your eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12: 1-2).
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I a reactor or creator when I lead?
2. Do I play defense or offense when I lead?
3. Am I a people-pleaser or God-pleaser when I lead?
4. Do I boss my calendar, or do I let idle activities take over my time?
5. Are my eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, or do I let the grumblings of the crowd or fear of man determine my actions?
Prayer: Lord, restore your purpose in my life. Give me the strength to endure hardships and obstacles knowing that overcoming these can only make me better prepared for your calling. Let me always obey with poise, and trust that as I am led by you, I am able to lead those who rely on me. Amene.
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