Why Christians Shouldn't Cast Lots to Make Decisions

When selecting new leaders, some of our methods are not much better than casting lots.

When the disciples gathered to replace Judas, they looked within the group who had accompanied them during their ministry. Eventually, two names were put forth—Barsabbas and Matthias.

Then they prayed to the Lord to help them select between the two. They cast lots, believing the Lord would control the modern-day equivalent of dice. And we know that Matthias received the favor of the rolling stones.

I have heard many leaders claim, “We sure got lucky with that hire.”

Thankfully, the Holy Spirit fell upon the room in which the disciples made this decision and we don’t read again about the use of lots in decision making.

My wife and I spent part of Saturday with Steve and Joy Strang bird watching on Merritt Island. My wife spotted a Kingfisher in a tree across a stream of water. She had the good binoculars.

The Kingfisher had made a glorious dive into the water and snatched his lunch. He enjoyed his sushi in a tree as we watched and admired the bird’s beauty.

Among all the beauty of the landscape, fowl, and other birds, this pretty bird caught my imagination. There were many other stunning focal points but I couldn’t look away from the Kingfisher.

This often happens in the selection of a leader. Someone, sitting in a tree, minding their own business with a bite of lunch, captures our attention.

Often, we see something in someone that no one else sees. Perhaps we see more in a candidate than even the candidate knows. The Holy Spirit often sends someone our way to simply be observed for future reference.

I believe the disciples probably had more than two candidates. Many Bible scholars have written about the exclusion of Paul from consideration. Perhaps a young David was tending a flock somewhere.

The one thing we do know about the selection of Matthias is that the disciples knew the man and had prayed for the Lord to make the decision.

As we select leaders today, we have the opportunity to pray and seek the Holy Spirit for direction. Man has created many tools and tests to help us evaluate a candidate. I appreciate a folder-full of data about a potential leader.

But nothing can surpass my open eyes. As I look through a glass, darkly, I pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the proper choice in every opportunity to add to our team.

I’m thankful that I don’t have to be lucky. God sends us pretty birds to be seen.

Today’s Scripture

“The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are brought down; the Lord loves the righteous” (Ps. 146:8).

Platform Tip No. 47

When we step onto a platform, we can’t forget who we are. Sometimes, we try to be someone else. We heard someone else’s message and liked it, so we try it out on our platform. We may stumble through the delivery or even pound out a brilliant speech.

But our tribe engages with our platform. They don’t come to us to hear someone else. If they wanted another message they would find another platform.

Be true to your message. People depend upon you every day—to just be you.

Do you want to learn more about developing your personal platform?

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