Essence before Expertise: Wisdom, Strength, Riches (Part 2)
Scripture — Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NRSV)
Thus says the Lord: Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom; do not let the mighty boast in their might; do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.
Focus
There is no way to ensure all the data will be available or that every person will be in agreement or agreeable. There’s no clear course correcting when the path has not been trodden. Risk will inevitably lead to some setbacks. Stalemates happen. But sage leaders are not courageous simply because of the possibilities of their mission. True leaders know they are inept, and they choose to learn the incomparable love of God.
Devotion
In the previous devotion, we saw how to embrace that change is forming us. We have to be agile in leadership and constantly turn to what we objectively know. Adrian Gostick’s article also highlights that AI and the overabundance of data require agile leaders who can:
- Learn to make decisions with incomplete data
- Invite dissent without losing authority
- Course-correct quickly without ego
- Be willing to take risks (and allow others to do so as well) and admit when they make mistakes
- Build teams that can think, not just execute
Those characteristics require a unique kind of wisdom, strength, and resources. Leaders know they need it. But they often fail to recognize that Jeremiah’s word from the Lord is a sacred message to a sacred people on the verge of exile. The gospel teaches us that we are all exiles. And we are as wise as we are convinced of God’s presence. Wise leaders cannot guarantee that every circumstance will supply adequate wisdom, strength, or resources. But Jeremiah told Israel what we should also remember. True wisdom desires to know the Lord. And true leaders know that God’s essence is love, equity, and communal faithfulness, and they practice those things also.
There is no way to ensure all the data will be available or that every person will be in agreement or agreeable. There’s no clear course correcting when the path has not been trodden. Risk will inevitably lead to some setbacks. Stalemates happen. But sage leaders are not courageous simply because of the possibilities of their mission. True leaders know they are inept, and they choose to learn the incomparable love of God. And true delight in the Father will lead them to see that it is possible in any leadership capacity or circumstance to practice love, equity, and communal faithfulness also.
Reflect
What does it mean to know something? To understand?
What are tangible examples of God demonstrating steadfast love, justice, and righteousness?
Act
How do you practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness when you struggle with those things? Look at your struggles and successes in these areas. Are they because of your own capabilities or your delight in God? Can you tell the difference?
Pray
God, make me a person who leads in every situation with steadfast love of neighbor, justice, and righteousness. Help me to know the grace I receive daily so that I may be that gracious with my wisdom, strength, and resources as well. Amen.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: God Don’t Never Change.
DeLano Sheffield, DMin
Author & Employer Engagement Manager
Dr. DeLano J. Sheffield is a senior pastor and Employer Engagement Manager for Great Jobs KC (formerly KC Scholars) where he fosters connections between people on the fringes and employers in the Kansas City Metro. He advocates for the hiring of people who would not normally have opportunities...