Listen Up

Today's devotional is from The Leadership Walk: Devotions for Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

"While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: 'Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him'" - Matthew 27:19.

Pilate was in a leadership position and was sitting in judgment of Jesus. While there, his wife sent him a message that he should have heeded. She knew Jesus was innocent and she also knew Pilate should have dismissed the case. God gave him one last warning, yet he could not pay attention because he was about to make a politically expedient decision to condemn Jesus in order to please the Jews and keep the pax Romana—the peace of Rome.

If leaders want to get the wisdom and insight they need for good decisions, they need to pay attention to their heart and also listen to the insight and integrity of others closest to them. Often when they ignore these warnings, they stray into the land of poor decision making.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Your Step today is to spend 30 minutes of quiet time to listen to your heart. Go where there are no distractions, turn off your cell phone, don't take your computer, and only take your journal and Bible. If you aren't 'done' after 30 minutes, then linger a bit longer if you can. If you can't get away, then get with one or two trusted colleagues or advisers and ask them to share their heart about the direction of your organization or decisions being considered.