Bold to act

In his book Next Generation Leader, Andy Stanley asserts, “Only those leaders who act boldly in times of crisis and change are willingly followed.” Without boldness grounded in faith, we’ll see little transformational effect. Without godly purpose and wisdom, boldness can be rash and destructive.

One biblical example immediately comes to mind, the prophet Nathan’s confrontation of David in his sin (2 Samuel 11:1-12:14, ESV)

Nathan found the nation in a crisis of national leadership and trust. King David had sinned grievously. God’s anointed king committed adultery with the wife of Uriah, one of the nation’s most loyal and courageous warriors. He further betrayed his office by arranging for Uriah’s death in a desperate attempt to hide his sin. Nathan risked his own life in boldly confronting David. He approached the sovereign with a parable designed to appeal to David’s tenderized heart.

We can logically surmise that Nathan both sought God’s purpose and wisdom before approaching the king. He found God’s intent was not just rebuke, but repentance and restoration. When David’s passion was aroused, Nathan delivered God’s message in words that cut to the heart with remarkable effect: conviction and repentance, and later birthed the penning of Psalm 51, which sinners have prayed for millennia.

Boldness in leadership first rests on a faith relying completely on the One we ultimately serve. Os Guinness describes it as performing for an “audience of One.” No other audience deters the bold Christian from acting when called to act. Secondly, bold leadership requires God’s purpose and methods to give it direction. Anything else risks the rashness of one not led by the Spirit.

Lead boldly—for His purpose and in His wise ways.