Decision-making is a huge part of life. Often times the success or failure in any endeavor is determined by the decisions that are made by the leadership. Most organizations employ a system of governance that features a hierarchical management structure, where the most critical decisions are made by people in higher executive positions. The higher the position, the greater the responsibility!
Baseball – Leadership is important:
In baseball there is an on-field Manager who makes the decisions regarding who plays that day, and all the moment-to-moment determinations as the game progresses. This Manager however, does not have the power to make decisions at a higher level. Choices that determine which players, coaches and other staff are hired are made at an upper level position. The General Manager, the President of the team and the Owner of the team make the more consequential, long-range decisions. The team management however, answers to Major League Baseball and the levels of responsibility within their structure. It seems as though there is always someone at a higher level in the chain-of-command to which they are accountable.
Life – Leadership is important:
I remember in the Bible when The Hebrews were set free from Egypt. Moses was making all the decisions and it was becoming a heavy load for him to carry. His father-in-law presented him with a plan of hierarchical decision-making:
Exodus 18:17-23 (NLT2)
17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18“You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him.
20 Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”
Did you notice that in the chain-of-command with Moses the final authority was always God Himself! That’s the way it is for us. God is always the final authority in our lives!
Baseball – There is an enemy trying to bring defeat:
I have heard several baseball players say that although they may have good friends on the opposing team, once they face-off on the field of play, their friend becomes their enemy until the final out is made! With that attitude the players will try their best to defeat their friend because they have the resolve that “the enemy must not win!”
Life – There is an enemy trying to bring defeat:
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT2)
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
1 John 4:2-4 (NIV)
2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. 4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
May God richly bless you and give you victory as you compete in this ultimate competition of life! We Win!