Day 5: Proverbs 9:6

“Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding.”



As leaders, we have to understand something. We are going to be called on to do some pretty hard things. And we’re going to expect the people we lead to do some pretty hard things. I know that doesn’t settle well with a lot of you, because who wants to do something hard? I bet you got up this morning and was like “gosh, I hope I get to do something hard today”. Right? Maybe we should be saying that. There’s a lot in this world that we won’t understand until we get out there and try it. You know, live a little. Now this isn’t a Nike ad. I’m not saying “Just do it”. What I am saying is that we have to put our feet on the floor and our nose to the grindstone and get a little experience.


Experience means a lot to the people you’re going to lead. There’s only so far your good looks are going to get you. You may be a natural people magnet. Like, when you smile, people just flock around you. But try to lead people into something difficult, and the first question they’re gonna ask is this: “Have you done this before?” Am I right? Wouldn’t you? Let’s say you are going to climb Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth. Your team leader seems like a great guy. He’s got all the coolest equipment, has a great plan, and is the nicest guy on earth. Just before you start your journey, he announces to the group that he’s never been mountain climbing. Still want to go? Negative. It’s the same way with being a leader. While you can’t experience everything, you can get out there and experience as much as you can so that when people ask “have you done this before?” You won’t lose your followers, and your task won’t fail.


CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLE: Experience is a must for any leader. The only way to get experience is to learn and do as much as you can in your field of leadership. Don’t be afraid to try hard things, because it will make things easier later.


Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Matthew Chapter 10.


Prayer: Master, you know your plan for me. You set it for me before the creation of the Earth. Thank you. Allow me to gain experience to better lead Your people. Give me courage to do hard things, and the strength to finish them. Thank you for the experience needed to make wise choices. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.