How do you lead? Do you need a large set of rules, policies, and constant supervision? It is true people respect what you inspect. Many people over manage others to a point the process outweighs the purpose. How comfortable is your leadership style to give others some latitude in how something is accomplished? Does God over manage us? He has given humanity some real freedom and, yes, at times it brings Him disappointment but nothing is more powerful than when His children choose to do great things in his name—unforced and unprompted.
In Army basic training, the rules imposed on me covered EVERYTHING I did from sunrise to sunset. It was a way to teach soldiers how to think and work together. When basic training ends, the soldier can operate with others or alone to accomplish great things. Why is this? The massive amount of rules goes away and is replaced by principles of service and honor. Likewise, as Christ-followers the Ten Commandments make it easy to measure one’s success in obedience (if possible) when stated as a list of don’ts. How would you measure obedience if you re-wrote them as a list of dos? List all ten in positive measurable directives.
As you know, Christ simplified the list of ten into loving God with our entire being (heart, soul, and strength) and love your neighbor as yourself. As leaders, do you seek to control with long lists of regulations and procedures or do you inspire people to higher levels? Leaders create a culture where people want to do what is needed, what makes each other stronger, and strengthens the organization. Spend more time showing people direction and goals rather than boundaries and don’ts. Our Heavenly Father does not manipulate us but rather directs and influences us to do great things—should not we do the same?
