Seek the Lord Continually
Chuck Hill, D.Min.
Leadership isn’t really so much about gaining knowledge, it’s about gaining wisdom. While information has the potential to guide decisions, true wisdom ensures those decisions lead to lasting impact. The ultimate source of wisdom is found in the person of Jesus.
In Proverbs 4:7, the writer reminds us: “Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Wisdom is the bridge between what we know and how we apply it to shape lives. And the only source of true wisdom is God Himself. That’s why the most effective leaders are not just strategic thinkers but continual seekers of the Lord’s guidance.
Strength Through Seeking
Psalm 127:1 gives us a sobering truth: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
No level of skill, strategy, or ambition can substitute for God’s direction. Leadership that is detached from Him will always lack the depth and endurance of divine purpose. It’s easy to assume that success comes from talent, preparation, or experience, but Scripture reminds us that without the Lord’s involvement, our efforts are ultimately empty.
Dependence Over Self-Sufficiency
One of the greatest dangers in leadership is self-reliance. The longer we lead, the more we may feel tempted to lean on past experience rather than on fresh direction from God. But true wisdom recognizes that our best ideas, strategies, and plans amount to nothing if they are not in alignment with His will. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Trusting in the Lord requires surrender—choosing to submit our vision and agenda to His higher purposes. Wise leaders don’t simply ask God to bless their plans; they seek Him first and allow Him to shape their direction.
The Example of Jesus
Jesus Himself modeled complete dependence on the Father. In John 15:5, He states: “Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
Consider this: Jesus, the Son of God, regularly withdrew from the crowds to seek the Father in prayer (Luke 5:16). He never led on His own strength but continually sought divine guidance. Moreover, He never led on empty — but always full of the Holy Spirit and the accompanying empowerment.
If Christ—the perfect leader—relied on the Father’s wisdom, how much more should we?
In the end, true wisdom is found in the person of Jesus. Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of knowledge or the ability to make good decisions—it is embodied in Christ Himself. The Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is the very wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30), revealing that wisdom is not just a concept but a person. In Him, we see wisdom lived out perfectly: a life marked by truth, grace, humility, and power. He leads with love, discerns with divine insight, and acts with perfect righteousness.
To seek true wisdom is to seek Jesus—to know Him, follow Him, and allow His Spirit to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
Practical Ways to Lead by Seeking God
1. Commit to Daily Prayer — Leadership decisions should begin in God’s presence (James 1:5).
2. Engage with Scripture — God’s Word is the source of divine wisdom (Psalm 119:105).
3. Remain Humble — A leader who seeks God acknowledges their dependence on Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).
4. Listen for His Voice — Leadership isn’t about rushing ahead but waiting for God’s direction (Isaiah 30:21).
5. Surround Yourself with Godly Counsel — Seeking wisdom includes learning from those who walk closely with the Lord (Proverbs 11:14).
Conclusion
Great leadership isn’t about self-reliance — it’s about surrender. Leaders who continually seek the Lord are not only strengthened by His wisdom but also aligned with His purpose. When we make seeking God our priority, our leadership will bear fruit that lasts.
So today, lead with confidence — not in your own understanding, but in the wisdom that comes from continually seeking Him.