Leaders are generally driven people. Their role is
to ensure things get done. Their enthusiasm to make things happen will tempt
them to forgo the "passive" pursuit of spending time with God.
Most spiritual leaders would list their relationship
with God as number one on their priority list. At least that is where they know
it should be. Yet with so many tasks to undertake and people to motivate, they
inadvertently relegate their spiritual life to a place of unimportance in their
schedule.
Before an important meeting, it may seem more
expedient to review their presentation than to make sure their heart is right
before God. Lengthy reports requiring extensive reading may compel leaders to
forgo reading their Bible "just this once."
Christian ministers are no less susceptible to this
mind-set. They are busy people, too. The danger for them to neglect their time
with God is more subtle because their Bibles are open so often for sermon
preparation, counseling, and other religious work.
If they aren't careful, they'll view their Bibles as a tool for work
rather than as the living Word of God. They'll begin substituting their public
prayer life for their personal conversations with God. They'll be tempted to
function on yesterday's walk with God.
Leaders who allow their daily commitments to crowd
out their devotional life are severing their lifeline. No matter how much they
accomplish, they will pay a price. Those they lead may get their best efforts
but will miss the benefit of God working through their leader.
The leader will not become the husband wife parent
son daughter friend God wants them to be. Their accomplishments will be, as the
writer of Ecclesiastes says, "a pursuit of the wind" (Eccles. 1:14).
Spiritual leaders are not haphazard people.
Just as they plan thoroughly for important meetings,
they must also carefully schedule substantial time for listening to their
Creator. First, they should consider how much time they set aside to spend with
God. Is it enough? Is it rushed? Does that time slot face too many intrusions?
Would a different time or setting be more conducive
to quiet Bible study, reflection, and prayer? Would a varied approach to
studying God's Word be beneficial? Perhaps a different Bible translation would
give familiar verses a fresh sound and an added perspective.
Perhaps the leader needs to use a devotional tool
that will open up the Scriptures in new ways. Oswald Chambers' My Utmost for
His Highest has been a favorite among spiritual leaders for many years.
We have written two daily devotionals, Experiencing
God Day-by-Day and Discovering God's Daily Agenda, which many have found
helpful.30 If they do not already do so, leaders should begin using a journal
to record their daily spiritual pilgrimage.
There is no substitute for an unhurried time with
God. Besides the immeasurable intrinsic value of knowing God personally, a
strong relationship with God holds numerous advantages for leaders.
They clearly know when God is speaking to them. When
they begin to develop unhealthy habits, God redirects them, and his Spirit
speaks forcefully to them to realign
their priorities.
God guides them through important decisions. Amid
criticism and pressure to conform to worldly standards, God provides inner
strength and resolve that enables them to stand firm in their convictions.
Through a strong relationship with almighty God,
leaders are strengthened, encouraged, convicted, and guided by God's Spirit so
their efforts are not in vain.
