What, When and How
Today was a full day at Lego Land in Orlando. One of the areas I could have spent more time in was the area where miniature cities such as Washington, DC, New York and Chicago were replicated. I was glad to have the use of an electric scooter to navigate the park and was able to enjoy several of the rides. Overall, it was a good day.
BIBLE VERSEĀ FOR TODAY… “There were two hundred leaders from Issachar. They knew what Israel should do, and they knew the right time to do it…” Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 1 Chronicles 12:32 NCV
As David became King after the death of Saul we see, recorded in 1 Chronicles 12, a list of the number of soliders who joined him from various tribes. When David was on the run from Saul, there was a small band of loyal, well trained and loyal men who joined themselves to him as a mercenary army.
However, when Saul was killed in battle and it became evident that the Lord’s promise to David was becoming true many more rallied to his side to make him King in Hebron. The list includes:
- Sixty-eight hundred men with their weapons from Judah
- Ā Seventy-one hundred men from Simeon.
- Forty-six hundred men from Levi.Ā
- Three thousand men from Benjamin, who were Saulās relatives.
- Twenty thousand eight hundred men from Ephraim.
- Eighteen thousand men from West Manasseh.Ā (1 Chron. 12:24-31)
Comments are made about each of these men from the various tribes that were well equipped, prepared and especially chosen for the task of joining ranks with David. While David’s reign was initially established in Judah, we see men from tribes from a least six of the twelves which made up the nation of Israel.
But the strength of David’s army and the key to his success was not just in numbers and training and swords and arrows. We see a reference to a relatively small group of men from the tribe of Issachar.Ā It says of these men, that they served as David’s, military advisers and intelligence, if you will. The specific description is, “They knew what Israel should do, and they knew the right time to do it…”
If there is a key to success in any endeavor or activity; if there is a characteristic of leadership that is all important; it is knowing what to do and when and we might add “how” (to make it three) in executing a plan. When those three come together, you have a winning combination.
It is not just a matter ofĀ knowing or doing the “right” thing. Timing and methodology is all important. I can look at my own leadership and observe the leadership of others, or even actions taken in the legislative process and see something that was “right” and “good” sabotaged by the wrong timing or the wrong approach.
Often times a leader or a group of leaders feel they have accomplished their task when they make the “what” decision. They then rush to implementation and realize they have fallen short on the needed communication with staff or congregation to make the effort a success. Or they take action that involves a commitment of finances and find that they would have been better off, waiting for some months or even a year to take action.
Once again, I believe the greatest challenge is not the “what” part of a decision. I speak from experience in feeling a false sense of security in having that question answered. In retrospect I would have been better off spending more time wrestling with the “when” and “how.”
There are times when the timing of a decision or action is dictated by forces beyond our control or by others. It is in those times that it is important to re-evaluate “what” to do. Once again, I have found that there are times you want to do something, but the timing involved does not make it possible.
As a King, David could have forced a situation with the power and might of his well trained and equipped army. But that in itself would not guarantee success or limit the casualties. Just like in battle, when leaders force an issue, there are “casualties.”Ā It may be the loss of support or credibility or confidence even in your own abilities.
I am thankful that we can trust the Lord to help us as leaders to have those critical elements come together in for our organizations, ministries and personal lives. I am also thankful that we can learn from mistakes and don’t need to be paralyzed by fear that results in no action, at no time.
When I look at the thousands of men who were with David. I realize it was in the insight of a few, that would often determine the success of all those on the front lines of the battle. David needed the 200 men of Issachar as much as the thousands of soldiers at his disposal. When we realize this, we see the challenge and the awesome responsibility and the need for wisdom as leaders. Leaders need wisdom and they need people around the with wisdom. Whether you are leading an organization, ministry, your family or your own life, you can take this to heart. Also, be sure to pray for those in leadership at any and every level of your life and our society.