A leadership coach posed some questions in a recent blog. And, as intended, it got me thinking. Let me share one of the questions and see what you think.

As leaders, we are constantly confronted with challenges—often on a daily, if not hourly, basis. In these moments, we are faced with a crucial choice: to act or to remain passive. The fear of making a wrong decision can often lead us to the latter, forgetting that inaction is a decision in itself.

Dan Rockwell considers himself a leadership freak. His questions can help all of us who face decisions, big and small.

The question that hit me was this:

What happens if we press forward without changing anything?

It is often said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results. Continuing to have a problem in your organization and just ignoring it, hoping it will go away, is not productive and does not advance the ministry or organization.

We can be frozen by fear. Fear of offending. Fear of failing. Fear of what others might think of us and our organization. Fear like that is rarely the path to good results or effective problem solving.

Some of Jesus’ disciples were watching as their Lord ascended into heaven. I wonder what was going through their minds. “Now, what do we do? Who will lead us? How can we be successful when our leader has gone?” They seemed frozen in place, not doing anything. Here is Eugene Peterson’s version of that account:

As they watched, he [Jesus]was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into the empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared—in white robes! They said, “You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.”

Acts 1:11 MSG

The implication is that standing staring into the sky was not going to accomplish the assignment Jesus had given them. They needed to decide to press on and carry out His commands.

Leadership expert John Maxwell says, “When the leader lacks confidence, the followers lack commitment.” Standing and gazing upward or at the problem without seeking and implementing a solution is not good leadership.

Peter put it in spiritual terms, relating to our need to be on the alert. We have an adversary who delights in the inaction of those serving the Lord.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8 NLT

And Paul reminds us of the power of prayer as we deal with situations that can immobilize us.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Colossians 4:2 NLT

Facing challenges today? Look to Jesus. Seek His direction. Then act on it for His purpose and His glory.

Or, as we might say today…don’t just stand there. Do something!

God’s best,