Leadership that Anticipates
Recently I was watching a group of kids playing football in the park. It was amusing to see how most of them chased after the ball, running wherever it was at that moment. But one little player stood out - he anticipated where the ball was going and positioned himself strategically. And then he scored! This struck me as a powerful picture of leadership.
Leadership is Not Just Reactionary
Many people, even leaders, live in a state of constant reaction. They respond to problems as they arise (that’s not a bad thing!) but don’t always take the time to see the bigger picture. Great leaders, however, develop the ability to discern the times. And like that young footballer, they position themselves (and their teams and organisations) for the future, anticipating challenges, recognising opportunities, and leading with vision.
Understanding the Times
The Bible describes the men of Issachar as those "who understood the times and knew what Israel should do" (1 Chronicles 12:32). They were leaders, not just followers of the moment. They had wisdom, discernment, and foresight. They recognised the spiritual, political, and economic landscape of their day and took action accordingly.
As Christian leaders - whether in our workplaces, businesses, charities, or churches - we must cultivate this kind of discernment too. We must seek to listen attentively, learn wisely, and gain deeper understanding in order to better discern our ministry and missional contexts. We must ask:
What is God doing?
Where is culture heading, and how should we respond?
How can we prepare for what’s coming, rather than simply reacting to what’s here?
Being a Student of Culture
Spiritual discernment is rooted in prayer and God’s Word, but effective leadership also requires cultural awareness. The apostle Paul, for example, adapted his message based on his audience (Acts 17:22-23), demonstrating an understanding of cultural trends and values.
Similarly, Christian leaders today need to pay attention to societal shifts - politics, technology, ethics, worldviews, etc. The gospel remains unchanging, but our methods of engagement must be informed by the world we live in. Are we listening? Do we seek to understand before we speak? True wisdom comes from knowing God’s Word and knowing how to apply it contextually.
Knowing What to Do
It’s one thing to understand the times; it’s another to act wisely. The men of Issachar didn’t just observe - they knew what to do. Joseph in Egypt discerned the coming famine and prepared in advance. Noah built the ark before the rain began. Esther recognised the impending destruction of her people and courageously took action. They didn’t wait for crises; they acted ahead of time.
Great leaders don’t just react - they anticipate. For the Christian, developing discernment isn’t so much about predicting the future but aligning ourselves with God’s voice and wisdom. Like the men of Issachar, we are called to understand the times and take decisive action.
Leadership isn’t about chasing the moment - it’s about discerning God’s direction, understanding cultural shifts, and stepping forward in faith with wisdom and purpose.