Bosses Sometimes Act Foolishly

Bosses Sometimes Act Foolishly

Never confuse authority with infallibility.
The people we look up to can inspire us, lead us, protect us and make great decisions—but they can also get it wrong. Even the person at the top is still human.

Scripture

“Saul did something really foolish that day. He addressed the army: ‘A curse on the man who eats anything before evening, before I’ve wreaked vengeance on my enemies!’ None of them ate a thing all day.”( 1 Samuel 14:24)

Explanation
Children often see their parents as superheroes. Followers can see their leaders as almost invincible. Subjects may assume their king must always know what he is doing.

But when it comes down to it, all men are still men.

The Bible says Saul “did something really foolish that day.” Notice the wording: that day. Saul was not foolish every day, but on this occasion, he made a foolish decision.

Perhaps Saul thought he was motivating his troops. He wanted them focused, determined and committed to defeating their enemies. So he placed a curse on anyone who ate before the battle was over.

But there was a problem: hungry soldiers are not necessarily strong soldiers.

His intention may have sounded noble, but his method was counterproductive. He demanded strength from men while denying them the very thing they needed to sustain that strength.

That is the humanity of leadership.

Application
Don't put your leaders on a pedestal so high that you cannot see their humanity.

Your boss can be wrong.
Your pastor can make a poor decision.
Your parent can misjudge a situation.
Your mentor can give bad advice.
Your leader can have a bad day.

Respect authority, but don't confuse authority with perfection.

And when you are the one in authority, remember this: you are not fool-proof either. Be humble enough to listen, reconsider, apologise and correct yourself when necessary.

The fact that someone leads you does not mean they never need grace.

Reflection
Have you ever been disappointed because someone you respected made a foolish decision?

Did you allow their mistake to change your entire view of them?

And if you are in a position of leadership, are you humble enough to admit when you get it wrong?

Prayer
Lord, help me to remember that every human being is capable of failing, including those I respect and those who lead me. Give me grace when others make mistakes, and humility when I am the one who gets it wrong. Help me to lead with wisdom, listen with humility and correct my mistakes when necessary. Amen.

Discussion Question
How should we respond when someone we respect makes a foolish decision without allowing their mistake to destroy our respect for them?

Have a fruitful day.

(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

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