Leadership Qualities: Discernment Part 2
Nathan Saw Below Surface-2 Samuel 12:1-15 (positive)
Discernment goes deeper than knowledge, resembling intuition. At times, discernment is a gift; at other times, it results from much experience. Discernment brings, a profound perception of what is occurring, either on the outside or the inside of a person. What gave Nathan such keen discernment?
- He had been listening to God. God sent him to David. Obviously, God had been speaking to His prophet.
- He knew David’s circumstances. Nathan had watched David for many years and so recognized the egregious changes when they came.
- He was objective in his perspective. Nathan could speak for God and provide God’s viewpoint on the king’s situation.
- He understood the root issues. Nathan saw more than symptoms; he saw root problems and consequences.
- He saw the ultimate cause and effect. Nathan passionately championed the name and reputation of God. He hated how the pagan nations surrounding Israel might mock the Lord should they hear of David’s sin.
How Do We Grow in Our Discernment?
To improve your discernment as a leader, do the following:
- Learn to her God’s voice. Get quiet and read Scripture. Reflect on the mind of God.
- Build problem-solving skills. If you can see root issues of problems, you can solve those difficulties.
- Analyze your successes. What worked? Can you identify the heart of the matter?
- Evaluate your options. Discernment involves both your gut and your head.
- Expand you opportunities. Get more experience to help you deepen your wisdom.
- Explore what others think. Choose some leaders you admire and study how they think.
- Listen to your gut. Most people are afraid to listen to their God-given intuition.
Before Decision-1 Chronicles 12:32
Before Israel made a decision, they got discernment. The sons of Issachar understood three key factors:
- The culture: They understood the population and the place where they lived.
- The timing: They understood the times and discerned when to move.
- The strategy: They knew what Israel ought to do, the steps that should be taken.
Do you understand your culture-its trends, its myths, its strengths, its dangers? Do you understand the age in which you’re living-its tenor and general movement? And do you have a strategy to grapple with both the culture and the times?
Join me next time for Leadership Qualities: Discernment Part 3
