Leadership: A-Team Wisdom
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18 (NKJV)
The Lord reveals two sources of wisdom. One is from God. The other is not.
Are people inspired by 'The Mind of Christ' (1 Corinthians 2:16)? Or led by 'The angel of the abyss' (Revelation 9:11)?
Consider “A” and “B” definitions of 3 words (assets) many leaders share: in the Bible, and also in the world.
WISDOM: a) knowledge of what is true or right; b) scholarly knowledge or learning*
UNDERSTANDING: a) enlightened intelligence; b) intellectual faculties*
KNOWLEDGE: a) acquaintance with truths; b) acquaintance with facts*
God’s rise and shine leaders form the A-Team! Their talents and wisdom come from ABOVE. They possess 'a knowledge of what is right' by means of an 'enlightened intelligence' and 'acquaintance with truths.'
They lead by a heavenly GPS, through a Positioning System (with godly values). His Holy Spirit guides and directs them. Therein, these leaders (and their followers) rise above life’s most common temptations.
Earth’s shrewd and proud leaders form the B-Team. Their talents and wisdom come from BELOW. They possess a 'scholarly knowledge of learning' employing 'intellectual faculties' as well as an 'acquaintance with facts.'
They lead by a different GPS: through a global positioning system (with worldly values). Smart men (or spirits) guide and direct them. Therein, these leaders (and their followers) fall into life’s most common temptations, detailed in Matthew and Luke, Chapters 4.
Our King’s wilderness tests still happen NOW. They’re notably common among leaders.
Self-satisfaction with food, drink, or drugs
Big-time displays of high-church positions**
Worldly power, prestige, riches, and fame.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
You’re God’s A-Team in the world’s A-field: The stages of arts and entertainment! ALWAYS use God’s navigation system.
Leadership: A-Team Wisdom (Part 14)
* Definitions are from the Random House Dictionary.
** The symbolism of Christ’s 2nd wilderness temptation (to jump off the pinnacle of the temple, so that God’s angels would save Him) are debated.
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!