Leadership - Define the Problem
As leaders in our families, churches, workplaces, and communities, we're constantly faced with challenges that demand decisions. But not every issue requires action - sometimes the real skill lies in discerning whether there's a problem worth solving at all. This starts with properly defining the problem. It may sound straightforward, but it's often the most overlooked step. Think of it like a seasoned hockey coach spotting the root cause of a team's slump amid the dysfunction on the ice: once you identify the core issue (or at least the first core issue), you're off to a good start in building a championship team.
Jesus, our ultimate Rescuer and Savior, modeled this perfectly in His earthly ministry and continues to teach us through Scripture. He cut straight to the heart of problems, never shy to speak the truth in love and to turn over tables if need be. We see this in Jesus' probing questions to Peter: "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-25), emphasizing that true leadership flows from loving God first and then shepherding and serving His people.
This echoes Jesus' teaching on the greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... And... love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). God always addresses the root, breaking cycles of dysfunction by revealing what's truly broken in our lives.
The Biblical Example: Goliath's Challenge
In 1 Samuel 17, the Philistine giant Goliath from Gath taunts Israel's army, proposing a winner-takes-all duel. Saul and the Israelites are paralyzed with fear, understandably so. The Philistines boast superior numbers and technology. Goliath, clad in bronze helmet and armor, wielding an iron spear and sword, with a shield-bearer at his side, seems invincible in an age where most Israelite soldiers fought with basic tools like pitchforks or axes.
It's tempting to view all of our corporate and organizational threats through a worldly lens: more resources, better tech, bigger incentives. Saul falls into this trap, offering lavish rewards to anyone who defeats Goliath: riches, the king's daughter in marriage, and tax exemptions for the victor's family. It's a classic spend more approach, like modern churches chasing growth through bigger buildings, more staff, or flashy campaigns, assuming money and perks alone will solve the challenge.
But young David, the shepherd boy, defines the problem differently. He sees it as a spiritual battle: "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26). David doesn't ignore the practical realities; he assesses Goliath's strengths, but he frames the issue through faith in the God who had delivered him from lions and bears in the past.
As Spirit-led men, we have a dual edge: the ability to innovate and build with God-given creativity (there should be no better engineers or builders than Christian ones), plus access to the Lord of Heaven's Armies. Yet, if we chase selfish ambition or compromise God's standards, all our resources are wasted.
As management coach Peter Drucker noted, getting the right answer to the wrong problem only perpetuates futility. We've seen this in declining organizations and churches: endless programs, policies, and "new geniuses," but no real progress because the core issue, often spiritual misalignment, goes unaddressed with continued mission drift.
Key Leadership Lessons from David
David's approach teaches us that true power comes from the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), not worldly might. He enters the fray with just a shepherd's staff, sling, five stones, and unshakeable trust in God - ironically over-equipped for the task no other man (including his older brothers) was brave enough to attempt. When adversaries mock or underestimate us, we fight in the name of Jesus, knowing God provides in His unique way.
Here's the lesson: Don't default to worldly solutions for spiritual problems. Yes, indeed, resources are needed. But God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Bigger isn't always better, as Jesus demonstrated by building His kingdom by starting with a small, committed group of apostles. Strategy matters, but it must be rooted in faith; plans shift once the puck drops. See that in David's approach. He first thought he'd use his staff as a club for the victory, but when he ran onto the field to face Goliath, he quickly adjusted and turned to his slingshot and then the giant's sword to finish him off.
Practical Application: A Framework for Decision-Making
To lead like David, make defining the problem a deliberate process. Decisions aren't just choices; they're commitments to action with deadlines. As Drucker wisely put it, "Half a loaf is better than no bread, but half a baby is worse than nothing" - meaning incomplete or half-hearted decisions can do more harm than inaction. Here's a practical framework to apply this week in your ministry, business, or home:
- Define the Problem: Ask the Right Questions.
Start by probing deeply to confirm if a decision even needs to be made. Avoid jumping to solutions prematurely. Key questions include:
- What is the root issue here? (Is it spiritual, like pride, lukewarm faith, or misplaced priorities, or practical, like resource shortages?)
- Is this a symptom or the core problem? Do we even have the right measurement tools?
- Who is affected, and how does this align with God's Word? Like David, consult Scripture and pray for clarity. Involve wise brothers and sisters for "iron sharpening iron" (Proverbs 27:17) - friends spot blind spots we miss.
- Assess the Impacts: Weigh the Stakes.
Once defined, evaluate the consequences. Run the numbers, analyze risks, and consider short- and long-term effects. Questions to ask:
- What happens if we do nothing? (Sometimes, patience and letting the market progress are wise.)
- How does this impact people, resources, and our mission?
- What godly principles apply? (i.e., Does this approach truly honor God?) David assessed Goliath's threat but trusted God's track record. Use all the tools we learn in MBA school, SWOT analysis, etc., through a biblical lens - pair it with prayer and counsel from trusted advisors.
- Decide: Commit to Action with a Deadline. Make the call based on your assessment. Set clear, actionable steps with timelines to avoid paralysis. David didn't hesitate; he stepped forward in faith. Remember: God honors bold, prayerful decisions. As the Spanish often said, 'Fortune favors the brave.' I believe that to be true. In everything be uniquely Christian. That is, ensure alignment with Scripture. Half-Christian is more akin to half-baby than half-loaf.
- Sell the Decision: Build Buy-In. Communicate the why and how to those affected. David convinced Saul by recounting God's past faithfulness: "The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37). Saul relented, saying, "Go, and the Lord be with you." Tailor your pitch: Use stories, data, and Scripture to inspire confidence. In the corporate world, this might mean rallying your team around your core strategy (think 'Good to Great').
- Execute and Inspire. Once decided, act decisively. David's victory over Goliath didn't just end the immediate threat - it galvanized the entire Israelite army to rout the Philistines. Your well-defined, faith-fueled decisions will spark broader momentum. It may take time. But it will come. Track progress, adjust as needed, and give glory to God. Celebrate wins to encourage others, turning individual action into team triumph.
Men, trust God. Worship Him through thankfulness this week., Pray. Seek clarity in the ministry He's entrusted to you. Ask God to show you the true issue at hand and the best course of action to address it. Even if you start alone, like David, others will rally when they see God's hand at work with you.
Dear Jesus, please give us Your wisdom to help us define problems rightly, make bold decisions, and lead our families and our organizations with courage this week. Amen.
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