Yesterday my wife bought our oldest son a Christmas present in the morning on Amazon. Late in the afternoon, it arrived at our doorstep. How in the world does that happen? It wasn’t even via drone. Amazon has transformed shopping forever, hasn’t it? It might be true that Amazon saves you time (although that’s not true for those of you that endlessly scroll on Amazon), but there is one thing you can’t buy on Amazon – T-I-M-E. Time is one of the greatest resources you have as a leader and one that is way too often underutilized.
Godly Leaders realize and recognize that it is essential that they buy time before making many, if not most, of their decisions. Here are the three critical reasons Godly Leaders need to buy time in decision-making:
#1 – Time gives the Godly Leader much-needed perspective. We all can get near-sighted at times in our decision-making. Now that I am in my 50s, I wish I could give the gift of time to the younger me or people younger than me. Time gives perspective. That perspective is most often essential for a Godly decision. If you can buy time before you pull the trigger on that decision, it can save you money, relationships, marriages, consequences, and more. Proverbs 18:17 (NIV) says, The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him. Time and more information change perspective.
#2 – Time gives the Godly Leader time to study the issue. What does God’s Word say about the issue or topic at hand? As a Godly Leader, you desire to serve God and make decisions that honor Him. We don’t always know what God’s Word says on a given topic or issue. Buying time gives you time to seek Godly counsel and seek God’s Word. 1 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) tells us to do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of truth.
#3 – Time gives the Godly Leader time to pray. We would all say “true” on a quiz if the question were: “True or False: It’s important to spend extensive time in prayer before a big decision.” Right? Now, here’s my question for you: Have you spent extensive time in prayer before each of our last five big decisions? If the answer is yes, great! Way to go! I’m guessing along the way, you bought some time to do so. If that answer is no, then this axiom is for you – buy some time so that you, Godly Leader, can spend extensive time in prayer before that big (or any size) decision. In Luke 5:16 (NIV), we see Jesus setting the example for us: but Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Godly Leaders, buy time, and you’ll see that you can get perspective, study the issue more, and spend extensive time in prayer. Those factors will lead you to more and more Godly decisions that are essential to being a Godly Leader.
We could talk a lot more on this topic, but we’ll leave it there for now. What are your thoughts or questions? Leave them in the comments. If you found this blog helpful or thought-provoking, please subscribe below and please share it on social media or tell a few friends about it!
Love being on this Essential Godly Leadership journey with you!