Leadership: Are You Proactively Responding or Reactive?

Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
Numbers 20:11-12

We learn something invaluable about leadership at the expenses of Moses in Numbers chapter 20. By this point in the wilderness journey Moses felt unendurably weary of the people’s complaining, the stagnation, and the lack of progress among the people. He was running on empty. And in his weakened condition he made a decision that cost him his future.

Moses was directed by God to speak to a rock in order to get water for the nation. Instead, in anger he struck it (as he had done before). He reacted in fury rather than responding in obedience with poise, and for his disobedience he was barred from entering the Promised Land.

This sad incident teaches us several valuable lessons. First, never make a major decision during an emotionally low time. Make decisions in your peak times, not in valley times. Second, don’t presume what worked before will work again. Third, never compromise your obedience to God so that you will look better. Fourth, don’t fail to trust God to complete what He began. Fifth, choose to be proactive (to respond), not reactive in your leadership. Don’t let your mandate come from the grumbling of the crowd. Get your cues from God and the mission He has given you.

Ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I a reactor or a responder when I lead?
2. Do I play defense of offense when I lead?
3. Am I a people pleaser of a God pleaser when I lead?
4. Do I control my calendar, or does someone else dictate where I spend my time?

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