Step 3: Seek Wise Counsel

Spending time in prayer with God and reading the Bible are by far and away the best ways to find God’s will for your leadership and life. However, God also speaks through the people that He brings into your life.

Almost everywhere you look, you see a model of “older and wiser” people giving guidance to others. Companies have boards of directors; churches have elder boards; and children have parents.

In leadership, the concept of mentoring is not unfamiliar. You may already have a mentor, a personal coach, or someone special that you go to for advice. But the need to have someone guide your business leadership from a Christian perspective may not be quite so obvious, is it?

Just going to church on Sunday is not enough. Without personal insight and guidance offered by fellow Christians, you are shortchanging yourself.

The Bible is replete with examples of God-fearing leaders helping others. Think of Moses coaching Joshua, or Jesus training up His disciples. More broadly, the Bible suggests that Christians get together to encourage and sharpen each other:

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together. — Hebrews 10:24-25A

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. — Proverbs 27:17

Listening to the voices of peers or leaders in your industry in favor of wisdom from your elders in Christian circles is inadequate. Check how that worked out for King Solomon’s son Rehoboam in the Old Testament:

But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him…. So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day. — 1 Kings 12:8…19

It was Rehoboam’s decision that forever split the nation of Israel between the Jews and Samaritans. All because he didn’t want to hear God speaking to him through the counsel of the elders.

Bible reading and prayer all by yourself is a good start, but not enough. God created you to be in community, and the leadership saying that “it’s lonely at the top” should never apply to you!

As you seek out Christian guidance, be reminded that finding God’s will does not require others to have expertise in your specific industry or market. God can and will speak through others that He has surrounded you with—your pastor, your small group, and if you are married, then especially your spouse!!

Regard the voices of mature Christians around you as gifts from God to help clarify and understand God’s will for your life. Never be embarrassed to go to another Christian with a request for prayer, insight, or counsel; rather, see it as a privilege.

Likewise, when a mature Christian in your circle of contacts comes to you with advice or correction, do not ignore it. Instead, listen to it, pray about it, and go back to that person for additional discussion and insight if you need to.

If you don’t have a circle of Christian friends who you can trust already, then get one! Your church almost certainly has a small group program that can help get you started. Get over any excuses that you have been using, and make time in your schedule to participate.

As you choose those in whom to place your confidence, don’t surround yourself with those who will agree with you out of respect, but choose those who have wrestled with life, are mature in their faith, and can speak the truth to you when you need it most.

God has placed you in community so that you might not only be sharpened and sharpen others but also to help you grow and find God’s plan for your life. Don’t miss out!

Christianity is not a solo sport!