Craig T. Owens

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When I was younger—and so much more immature—I thought it would diminish my leadership if I ever answered, “I don’t know” to any question. As a result, I fired off very self-assured answers that probably weren’t well thought-out. 

They probably weren’t very God-honoring answers either. 

Once a leader is “on the record” with an answer, they will usually defend their stance even if it appears to be wrong. After all, they must save face at all costs. 

A downward slide continues when a leader then uses their position of authority to say something like, “Because I’m the leader and I said so!” With this stance, people are often repelled from that leader. 

How much better to to wait before giving an answer—to give up the need to always be “The Answer Man”! 

And better yet, let’s not give anyone our answer, but let’s seek God for HIS answer! Not only will this be the best answer, but God will defend Himself without us having to step in to “help” Him. 

With this stance, the people are not only drawn to this godly leader but they are drawn to God as well. 

Consider these examples from Moses:

• Stand still, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you. (Numbers 9:8)
• So Moses brought their case before the Lord. (Numbers 27:5)

A mark of a godly leader is one who hears from God before answering men. 

So the next time someone asks your opinion, pause. Remember that it’s okay to say, “I’m not sure how to answer you on that one. I need to hear what God has to say about this.” Let’s give up the desire to be “The Answer Man” for everything. Instead we can simply announce the answer that God has given. 

This is part 69 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here.

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