October 1

Oct 1 - Today from Proverbs 1 we look at verse 5
"Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance."

It's quite amazing, but that's what they do. It's a bit of a paradox - you would think the Teacher would say, "Let the fools add to their learning and let the simple get guidance." They're the ones who really need it. The fact of the matter is, the wise should never stop learning, and the discerning should never cease seeking guidance. They, in fact, are the greater influencers and carry a lot of responsibility.
There is almost a 'natural' process in the formation of leadership. Whatever the situation, over a given period of time those involved in the situation will begin to select the leader(s) simply by placing their trust in those who prove to be trustworthy. The wise are those who appear to have a good working knowledge of the situation, and also know how to apply that knowledge to make progress. The discerning are those who develop keen perceptions as they progress in the endeavor, complementing the broader application of wisdom. Someone once said, "Leaders are made, not born." There is some merit of truth to this. One can be promoted to a position of leadership - by others or by self - but unless others follow out of a sense of trust, they are not true leaders. Promotion, position and titles do not necessarily make a person a leader. Recognized wisdom and discernment do.
I attended a seminar of John Maxwell's once - a man renowned for leadership training. He is also a very successful Pastor. He recounted how early on in his vocation that when he took a call to a new church, he would carefully observe the congregation to see who the leaders were. They were not always seated on the Church Counsel. There were people in the congregation who appeared to have more influence than the Counsel members. These were the people Pastor John would pay particular attention to. When important decisions were in the works, people would look to these individuals to see how they felt about the issue. 'How they felt' would pretty much determine the outcome. Pastor John was wise enough to take these 'untitled leaders' into his confidence and tap into their wisdom and discernment. Rather than making formidable opponents whose influence could easily derail Pastor John's vision and ministry, he developed strong allies in them. These influencers became great assets in the ministry of the church. Pastor John is a leader himself, with great skills in facilitating.
What was the secret of these 'untitled leaders'? Over the years they developed a sense of trust from the people of the congregation. They were not the 'power mongers' who eventually split congregations. They were the wise and discerning who cared about the health of the flock. Without campaigning, or even total awareness, they built a bond of trust which elevated them to a position of influence.
I have served in positions of leadership in several churches over the years. I have observed this principle in every church. Even where I serve now, I serve with such a man. He is a humble servant, full of wisdom, and displays very impressive discernment. He is closing in on eight decades of life - and he is still committed to adding to his learning and seeking guidance in his processes. He does not hold an official title in church leadership, yet he is a huge influencer. I enjoy very much discussing issues of life with him. He is a natural 'anticipator - not in fearing the worst, but in preparing for the unexpected. In doing so, there are few unexpected situations with him. Unpleasant - yes. Unexpected - not entirely. He has good discernment. Rather than having a panic attack, he has a plan. I love it, and I am learning from him. He is a big influence in my life right now.
As the Teacher of proverbs indicates, this wise servant continues to add to his learning. This discerning servant continues to seek guidance. It's quite amazing, but that's what he does. He is an asset to our church, and to the Kingdom of God.