Tag: biblical leadership

Traits of a Biblical Man: Decision-making. The Weight of the Crown 

A businessman sitting at a wooden desk with a slingshot and blueprint plans on them. He sat in an office with large windows behind, showing a procession of animals 

In a world often defined by ambiguity and a reluctance to commit, the call for decisive leadership rings louder than ever. For Christian men, this call is not merely a secular ideal but a biblical mandate, woven into the very fabric of God’s design for humanity. From the dawn of creation to the restoration of a city, the Bible provides powerful examples of men who embraced their leadership roles by making pivotal decisions.

Let’s explore three distinct moments of decision-making from biblical narratives: Adam in Eden, David facing Goliath, and Nehemiah approaching the king. Through their choices, we uncover timeless principles for modern biblical leadership.

Adam: The Steward’s First Decree (Genesis 2:19-20)

Our journey begins in the pristine Garden of Eden, where God entrusts Adam with dominion over creation. Before the fall, in a moment of pure stewardship, God brings all the animals to Adam “to see what he would name them.” This seemingly simple act is profound. It wasn’t God who named the animals; it was Adam’s responsibility and privilege.

The Decision: Adam decided on the names for every living creature. This was not a passive observation but an active engagement with his delegated authority. Each name he uttered was a declaration of his understanding and relationship with creation, a tangible exercise of his leadership over the animal kingdom.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: Adam’s decision-making here highlights the essence of responsible stewardship. As the first man, he was given dominion and immediately put that authority into practice. His decision to name the animals demonstrates active participation in God’s creative order, an immediate embrace of his assigned role. For us, this speaks to the importance of taking ownership and making informed decisions in our spheres of influence, whether that’s our home, our workplace, or our community.

David: The Courage to Stand (1 Samuel 17:32-37)

Thousands of years later, on a battlefield in the Valley of Elah, fear gripped the armies of Israel. The giant Philistine, Goliath, hurled insults and challenges, yet no Israelite warrior dared to face him. It was a moment of national paralysis, until a young shepherd boy arrived with provisions.

The Decision: When David heard Goliath’s blasphemies and witnessed the fear of his countrymen, he was moved with righteous indignation. His explicit decision was to step forward and offer to fight Goliath himself. Addressing King Saul, David declared, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” He didn’t just feel an urge; he articulated a clear, courageous choice to confront the seemingly insurmountable foe, grounded in his past experiences with God’s deliverance from lions and bears.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: David’s decision exemplifies courageous conviction. In a situation where experienced warriors were paralyzed by fear, a young man, relying on God’s power, chose to act. His leadership was not about physical stature or military rank, but about a deep-seated faith that empowered him to make a radical decision. This teaches us that true leadership often involves making unpopular or risky decisions when the status quo is failing. It demands faith to step into uncomfortable situations, trusting that God will empower us to overcome challenges that seem overwhelming.

Nehemiah: The Bold Request (Nehemiah 2:1-8)

Centuries after the initial glory of Israel, Jerusalem lay in ruins, its walls broken down, its people in disgrace. Nehemiah, a Jewish exile serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in Persia, was burdened by this news. After a period of prayer and fasting, he seized a divinely appointed moment.

The Decision: When King Artaxerxes noticed Nehemiah’s sadness and asked him why, Nehemiah made the crucial decision to reveal his distress and articulate his bold request to be sent to Jerusalem to rebuild the city walls. This was a high-stakes moment; approaching a powerful king with such a personal petition carried significant risk. Nehemiah prayed briefly, then explicitly stated his desire: “If it pleases the king… send me to Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild it.” He didn’t just express sorrow; he presented a solution and requested the authority and resources to execute it.

Role in Leadership/Decision-Making: Nehemiah’s decision highlights strategic boldness and proactive problem-solving. He didn’t wait for someone else to take action. He leveraged his position, prepared his request, and chose the opportune moment to present it. His decision was not impulsive but born from prayer, planning, and a deep sense of purpose. This shows us that biblical decision-making often involves discerning the right timing, articulating a clear vision, and humbly yet confidently presenting a solution to those in authority, all while relying on God’s favor.

Becoming Biblical Decision-Makers in Modern Life

These biblical narratives offer more than just historical accounts; they are blueprints for godly leadership in our own lives. As Christian men, how can we emulate Adam, David, and Nehemiah in our daily decision-making?

  1. Embrace Stewardship and Initiative: Like Adam, recognize the spheres of influence God has entrusted to you – your family, your work, your church. Don’t wait for others to define your role. Proactively take ownership, make informed decisions within your delegated authority, and seek to bring order and purpose to your environment.
  2. Cultivate Courageous Conviction: Like David, be prepared to stand firm in your convictions, especially when fear or popular opinion dictates otherwise. This means discerning God’s will and acting on it, even when it feels risky or unpopular. It requires faith to confront challenges that seem insurmountable, trusting in God’s power to work through you.
  3. Develop Strategic Boldness: Like Nehemiah, approach challenges with prayerful preparation and strategic thinking. Don’t shy away from making bold requests or taking on daunting tasks if you believe it aligns with God’s purpose. Learn to discern opportune moments, articulate your vision clearly, and humbly yet confidently seek the resources and support needed to bring about positive change.

The weight of the crown, the responsibility of leadership, is not meant to crush us, but to empower us to reflect God’s own order and purpose in the world. By consciously choosing to be decisive, faithful, and proactive in our decision-making, we can honor God and lead effectively, becoming the biblical men our families, churches, and communities desperately need.