To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

The writer of Ecclesiastes follows the verse above with a list of seasons, or “times,” such as birth and death, weeping and laughing, and mourning and dancing. He even includes “a time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted.”

I don’t know about you, but I usually don’t enjoy plucking up anything that was planted by either me or God. First of all, it takes time, and second, it can be painful to pluck. You know what I mean. You have a relationship or friendship God is asking you to relinquish. Sure, He planted it in a past season of your life, and it served its purpose. But now He is asking you to uproot it because He wants to do something different. Or perhaps God is saying about your job, “Let it go. I want to uproot it. I’ve got a new assignment for you.” Oh, but we’re so slow to let go because it can be painful, inconvenient, and sometimes just plain hard work! But what do we forfeit if we insist on holding on to the old things that either we or God planted in old seasons?

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it” (Luke 11:28 NASB).

Continue reading Wisdom Hunters – Is It Time to Let Go? →

Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. 2 Samuel 11:2, NLT

Leaders who rise in their responsibilities at work require more—not less accountability. When someone believes no one is watching their behavior, their behavior can quickly become corrupted. Autonomy is not an excuse for sloppy living, but an opportunity to expand service to others and to grow in grace and humility. If a person trusts themselves alone to be alone, without any moral guardrails—they are set up for pride’s fall—humility chooses to be accountable.

David talked himself into thinking he could handle autonomy without accountability. Instead of being in charge and leading the charge with his fellow soldiers—he disengaged from the action. He foolishly assumed his position and power elevated him above the need to answer to others for his actions. David forgot a fundamental lesson from his days as a shepherd—a sheep that strays away on its own is exposed to life threatening influences. He allowed his affections to chase after the lust of the flesh—instead of submitting to the Spirit. Accountability gladly depends on others.

“For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open” (Luke 8:17).

Continue reading Wisdom Hunters – Autonomy Needs Accountability  →