The Leadership Principle of the Picture: God Establishes the Power of Example

A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? … You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. Great fear came upon all those who heard these things. Acts 5:1-5 Good leaders communicate a clear picture of their expectations. For example, when change is required, a good leader will communicate clearly the consequences of not changing, as well as the rewards of implementing the change. The first is called the change imperative and the latter is the future vision. A change imperative gets people moving away from the status quo. But change is hard and people remember the “good old days” and desire to return to it. That’s when the future vision kicks in – it draws people forward to the new way of doing things like a magnet. Both are needed to insure that the required change is implemented. Sometimes, a leader's prompt, decisive action paints the clearest picture of all. In Exodus, all sorts of laws and penalties are introduced. God’s people were given instruction and clear consequences for disobedience. Why were the penalties so strict? Is God mean and fierce in the Old Testament and loving and gracious in the New Testament? We can see both sides of God throughout the Bible, but God laid out these severe penalties because of the power of example. The people needed a picture. Once a penalty is seen implemented, everyone is sobered by the example. God did the same thing in Acts when Ananias and Sapphira were punished. Mere talk would not have had the same effect on this baby nation in Exodus, nor the baby church in Acts. Frequently, people need to see a clear, visible demonstration in order to remember. As a leader, are you clear in your communications of the consequences of action/inaction? Have you painted a picture for those who are following you? I’d love to talk to you personally. For more on help I can provide and how you can reach me, check out… http://truthatlife.com/ or email me directly at curtis.songer@gmail.com