When Your Decision Is Larger Than Your Ability (Part 2)...

I am sharing some thoughts about the process I am going through as I wrestle with decisions that are larger than what I feel my current ability is. Yesterday I wrote of how it is important to look for "God at Work" signs as mile markers as you navigate through the uncertain waters.

Today I want to give you step 2 of the 4 I will blog about.

2. Gather counsel with different minds, but like hearts.

I saw this happen beautifully the other day. I went into the meeting feeling that I had a clear opinion and set out to persuade the group to see things my way. I wasn't necessarily going for a consensus but rather a majority (as long as it went my way:)) What I wasn't prepared for was the fact that the group came in with their own opinions, some like mine, some the complete opposite, others a mix in between.

Over the two hour meeting we hashed out fears, dreams; faced the brutal facts, while thinking optimistically about tomorrow. What I find interesting is the counsel of the group changed my way of thinking. Sure, I could have said that this was what I feel we should do and I think the group would have given me permission to try it my way. I could mask my decision with the blanket statement "I feel this is what God is telling us to do.", that tends to be an 'ender' for a leader pastor.

But what good is having counsel in your life if you don't listen to them?

This is why having people in your life who are willing to give their opinion even if it conflicts with yours is so important. Clearly your perspective is bias and maybe if you are like me, you have a tendency to see things the way that works best for you.

What is paramount though, is not just finding conflicting opinions or different minds. But finding different minds with the same heart. When we have a similar heart or vision the weight of the decision lessens. Because together you can accomplish more than if it was purely a solo effort.

It is possible to have a group of people with the same vision but come on separate sides of an issue. The insecure leader will only surround himself with "yes" men and as a consequence will cap the potential of his organization.

Bottom line: surround yourself with people who support what God is doing through you and are willing to speak truth and counsel in an environment where they feel valued to express such thoughts.

Heart and Soul,
BAG
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