As high as heaven and deep as earth, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. Proverbs 25:3, TLV
Are You a Manager or Managed? For many years this proverb seemed odd to me. Kings are just humans. I mean, I get that our Heavenly Father’s ways are unsearchable — “as the heavens are higher than earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9) However, it wasn’t until I had to manage a group of people that it made sense.
Any person in charge of people — employees, children, congregants, or volunteers — there is so much to consider.
Each person that is overseen has their own definitions of what is right. This causes them to see through that lens. It’s seldom that the managed understands the full scope of what a manager must take into consideration.
Managers Listen
When I found someone wise enough to discern this truth, it was a blessing. They became trusted advisers. They helped me see situations from different perspectives. Ultimately, the decisions were mine, as were the responsibilities in the outcomes, but I sure appreciated their support and was prepared to listen to their wise counsel in the future.
There were times when I received a directive from my manager and
had to adhere to that command. Listening to opposing opinions sometimes hampered my ability to see the directive through.
Still, there were rare occasions when my trust advisors had valid concerns or better options. It was my responsibility to take those to my manager, even if they decided against them.
Trusted Advisor
If you’re not a manager, wouldn’t you rather be the trusted advisor rather than the squeaky cog complaining about how things aren’t working right?
Trusted advisors have learned how to see past their own agenda to the greater agenda—the greater good. From them, I learned how to be a trusted adviser — to see past my own agenda to the greater agenda.
They can help others with their questions and circumvent the grumblings that inevitably come from people not getting their own way.
Our Faith Journey
How do these wise insights impact our faith journey? In many ways. Learning how to submit to leadership as an active and trust advisor goes a long way in honoring the will of God. To create a working relationship with our spouses where both parties become trusted advisors.
“I pray not on behalf of these only, but also for those who believe in Me through their message, that they all may be one. Just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You, so also may they be one in Us, so the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:20-21, TLV (emphasis mine)
Really one of the greatest things we can do as both managers and 
managed is to foster an environment of unity. Not merely conformity, but a passion to walk out God’s plan for congregations, families, communities. Yeshua prayed that we would be united—one—as He and His Father were One. Because when this happens others will see, others will believe in Him. Could this be revival?
Think More About It
What have you learned as a manager and as one who was managed?
Thanks for stopping by. I love your comments, insights, and thoughts. Appreciate your shares, too. Thanks again, and God bless.
