Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 14, 2011
“And he [Jesus] directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.” Matthew 14:19
Jesus was a leader worth following, but He was also a manager who managed well. He understood the importance of an orderly process, and He implemented it effectively. Management is the method for executing the mission. Leadership ensures the enterprise is on the right strategic path. However, leadership will languish without good management moving critical initiatives forward toward their milestones.
Wise managers clearly define who, what, when and where. There is an attention to detail that supports the overall objectives of the team. Managers diagnose problems, and then bring solutions to bear that remove obstacles and reclaim progress. Managers implement methods that support the success of the organization. Managers manage productive processes. Like the Lord in His creation, they bring order and discipline to the enterprise.
“Dominion and awe belong to God; he establishes order in the heights of heaven.” Job 25:2
Successful managers are almost obsessive about clear communication and mission critical measurements. They constantly ask, “Does the team understand their responsibilities and deadline for results?” “How can we be better at what we do?” “What are the leading indicators telling us, and how do we need to adjust?” As a manager you are a steward of God’s time, money and resources at home and at work.
So, seek the owner Jesus for His wisdom and expectations related to people and process. Good managers make people their priority while still managing below budget. Your task may seem impossible, but you can trust the Lord to multiply your efforts and resources in creative and innovative ways. Stay faithful to manage well and you will be in a position to be entrusted with much more.
“Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together.” (Matthew 25:21, NLT)
How would I improve as a manager if I served people more at their point of need?
Related Readings: Genesis 39:2-6; Nehemiah 2:11-20; Luke 12:42; 16:1-8
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Like the Christ in His creation, good managers bring order and discipline to the enterprise… #management
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I was so blessed by this devotional. I have always taken the lead of a manager. I would hear the vision of lead pastors or other leaders and following through in expediting or putting things in order. I would say “my gift kicks in when others speak clearly” I would see the possibilities unfold in my mind. But then one day a pastor said, managers are not leaders because they have no vision they are just maintainers. This article validated who God called me to be.
Dear Norma,
We are thankful that you were blessed by “Management Compliments Leadership” and that the devotional spoke to you about your calling. From your comments, it does seem like you have a gift for “putting things in order and seeing the possibilities unfolding in your mind.” There were so many statements in the devotional that reinforce the idea that this truly is a gift:
“Management is the method for executing the mission…..leadership will languish without good management moving critical initiatives forward toward their milestones.”
“Like the Lord in creation, they bring order and discipline to the enterprise.”
Norma, what a blessing you must be to those around you with your managerial gift.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10
So nice to hear from you and we look forward to hearing from you again. We are so thankful that you are a fellow wisdom hunter!
Blessings,
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1Thessalonians 5:16-18
I have just found your site and have been doing daily devotions for first three days. For the last two years I was doing first15.org and would post a highlight on my Facebook page with their permission and always acknowledging them. I am wondering if you would mind if I did the same with portions of yours. I will always acknowledge your website as to the source of devotion. It directs people to your site while allowing me to encourage them daily. Guy
Dear Guy,
Welcome to the Wisdom Hunter’s family! We are so thankful that you have found us and hope you will be blessed by the daily devotionals.
That is thoughtful of you to ask in advance about posting Wisdom Hunter’s writings on your FB page. Yes, we would be happy for you to do that and appreciate you acknowledging the Wisdom Hunter’s website. You can also follow us on FB as well.
If you ever have any questions or comments, please do not hestitate to let us know. We love hearing from our fellow wisdom hunters. Guy, please know we have a prayer team at Wisdom Hunters, too, so if you have any prayer requests now or in the future for yourself, your family and friends, let us know. You can email me at gwynne@wisdomhunters.com with those requests.
Again, on behalf of Boyd and the rest of the Wisdom Hunter’s team, welcome! We look forward to hearing more from you.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3