Leadership Wisdom and Faith

I don't often write about leadership in this column, but it is a topic on which I dwell, think, and pray about a great deal.  A friend shared a very poignant article with me the other day entitled "How To Know Whether You’re Trusting God…Or Just Being Stupid"  (if you're interested in the entire post, you can find it here: https://goo.gl/D2Wn7K )  Initially, I laughed out loud because I have this conversation with other leaders in Christian organisations often.  It seems to be a very delicate balancing act to figure out just how bold to be in one's vision and decision-making while remaining appropriately cautious and careful.

The author Carey Nieuwof breaks down the decision between trust and wisdom in a great way and one that is helpful for anyone running any organisation, and for distinctively Christian organisations in particular.

1) "Is ‘wisdom’ killing my trust in God?" and 2) "Does my ‘trust’ in God disregard all wisdom?"

The second question here is much easier for me.  It's safer, it seems more calculated, and we can all think of examples in which perhaps someone was misguided in their conviction to move forward in faith and watched as it felt apart. Unfortunately, our faith is always an imperfect faith and we are also blessed with wisdom, discernment, and people on whom we can rely for sober second thought.

The first question is unsettling for me, but lurks as a constant reminder that I am part of something much bigger than the individual parts.  God is working through NACE in amazing ways, and I find that He surprises me weekly by showing me ways in which my vision was limited.  I often do more harm to my faith and trust in God by being calculated and careful in my response.  

So, how can we grow in our balance of wisdom and faith?  James 1 has some advice (which I need to turn to often!)  "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.  But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver..." (NLT)

Do we need to have wisdom, or faith?   Both!  Please pray for the leadership of NACE that we will seek wisdom, boldly asking God with a faith in Him alone!!  This prayer is also for our students who watch us keenly each minute, hour, and day.  Modelling our faith and a desire for wisdom is one of the best gifts we can give them to prepare for a life of service.