A leader is guided by symptoms, signs

Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:18-19

You will notice the phrase “behold that which I have seen” in the Bible.

King Solomon often spoke about things that he noticed.

He was a man who was very much aware of what went on around him.

He took particular notice of the happenings around him.

Solomon noticed symptoms and signs.

Perhaps my medical background has made me sensitive to the concept of symptoms and signs.

Symptoms and signs reveal hidden things.

They tell you about things that are not obvious.

7 Things you can use symptoms and signs to detect

• You can use symptoms and signs to uncover future leaders.

Paul used this strategy in 1Timothy 3.

In that passage of scripture, Paul outlined the signs that Timothy was to look out for in potential leaders:  

…must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil…

Paul gave Timothy an assignment to look out for these in his choice of leaders.

• You can use symptoms and signs to supervise employees.

You will not always be present to see if those you work with are working well or not.

That is why you must use certain indicators to supervise the people who work for you.

Accomplishing targets within a deadline is the most important indicator for me.  

• You can use symptoms and signs to detect disloyalty.
There are several signs of disloyalty. Betrayal is something that does not announce itself.

You must look for the signs. 

And note that disloyalty is like a sleeper cell. It may lie dormant for a long time until it rears its head. Remember that the Bible says in John 6:64 that “…For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.”

If you fail to see the signs that leaders are supposed to notice, you will be at the mercy of traitors.

• You can use symptoms and signs to detect familiarity.
You can detect familiarity by noticing little changes in people’s attitudes.

Their comments, disinterest and yawning at meetings are all important indicators.  

• You can use symptoms and signs to detect backsliding.
There are a number of symptoms of backsliding. If you use these symptoms, you will be able to detect backsliding in its early stages.

When you see someone who has stopped having his quiet time, it should immediately ring a bell. 

• You can use symptoms and signs to detect unforgiveness.

Many people claim to have forgiven others. In reality, they are full of bitterness.

Some of the signs of lingering unforgiveness are malice, anger, wrath, clamour, slander and bitterness.

A leader must not ignore these signs and symptoms.

These signs are sending you messages that you need to act on.  

• You can use symptoms and signs to detect the call of God on people’s lives.

I think that the greatest sign of the call of God is the desire for ministry.

I always look out for people who have a desire to work for God.  

Dear leader, keep your eyes open and see the things that others do not see.

When you see or interact with those you lead, you must be able to detect when something is wrong. Use symptoms and signs!

You will be guided by symptoms and signs! Be like King Solomon!

The writer is the founder of the Lighthouse Group of churches.

E-mail: theaol@ymail.com