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| Dr. John Garang, Getty Image. |
Devotion Thirty.
Scripture: James 3:13-18
Today, July 30th, South Sudan commemorates Dr. John Garang, its most revered leader, who tragically passed away in a plane crash in 2005. While the specifics of his wise leadership are not for public disclosure, its impact is undeniable. His wisdom and advocacy for protecting the country's resources led some to believe that his crash was intentional. Whatever the actual cause of his death, it is not the focus here; he was a wise leader who united the people in the liberation struggle. His leadership demonstrated the importance of guiding with wisdom, which is fundamental for effective leadership.
As we reflect on Dr. Garang's legacy, let us turn to the Bible for guidance. James underscores the importance of leading with wisdom for leaders. He urges leaders to embrace wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, merciful, productive of good fruits, impartial, and sincere. This wisdom fosters the unity, truth, and honourable conduct that are essential for effective leadership.
Unfortunately, not all leaders embody this wisdom. Today, some church leaders fail to embody God's wisdom; consequently, they become disordered and practice vileness and jealousy and are puffed up with selfish ambition, as they are filled with demonic and unspiritual wisdom. God's Word reminds leaders to seek wisdom from Him to effectively shepherd His people.
Like the late Dr. John Garang, God calls leaders to guide His Church with wisdom from Him. By doing so, they foster unity, purity, peace, and truth, which ultimately lead to good works. We should pray to God to give us wisdom and never boast in false truths that generate hatred, division, and selfish ambitions. In our words, actions, and beliefs, let us exercise wisdom from God as we lead His children. Since God is all-wise, those who lead His children should seek wisdom from Him to lead effectively.
In conclusion, while no leader is perfect, recognising the importance of God's wisdom is vital for effective leadership. By embracing the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, true, impartial, and open to reason, leaders foster unity, peace, and honourable conduct towards and within the church and the children of God under our various leadership contexts.
Take a moment to reflect: How is your leadership in terms of wisdom? How should leaders demonstrate wisdom in their leadership? Solomon asked for wisdom from God to lead his people; when did you feel you needed God's wisdom? Seek wisdom from above and lead God's church or people effectively.
Dear God, I have been stumbling in leading your people, your church, because I did not know your wisdom was crucial. I ask you kindly to forgive me and give your wisdom so that I can effectively lead your people.
Amen.
Meditate on this verse: "But the wisdom that
comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate,
submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere."
(NIV) James 3:17
30th July, 2025
