For the last three years, I have enjoyed regular coaching conversations with Steve Graves. Steve is a Christ-follower and a consultant/coach. He recently recounted a conversation he had with a leader of a multi-billion dollar global company who shared with him that “leadership is really about placing bets.”
As leaders, we are constantly confronted with choices, and we make calls based on what we believe is the best move at the moment the choice is made. A leader cannot choose two directions, or two strategies, or two leaders for the same role. The leadership team makes choices, or “places bets.” The decisions that leaders make are big decisions. Every yes is a no to something else. Every choice can alter the trajectory of the ministry or organization.
Thus, wise leaders pray for wisdom, and thankfully, the Lord graciously supplies.
“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
The statement “If any of you lacks wisdom” is rhetorical, as all of us, left to our own devices, are foolish. Yet God graciously commands us to ask Him for wisdom, and He desires to give it generously. His command is an invitation to receive. We are able to receive from the only wise God (Romans 16:27), the One who owns all wisdom, who brought wisdom forth as the first of His works (Proverbs 8:22). And because of His grace, He gives wisdom, something we do not deserve, as if we actually deserve it. He gives it to us without criticizing us, without finding fault in us. He is gracious with His wisdom.
