WHEN LEADERS UNDERSTAND THE TIMES

From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take. – I Chronicles 12:32

The understanding of the times is very important in determining when to hit the ground running and when to hang fire. The knowledge of the times enables leaders to know when to draw the line and establish appropriate limits and control. When leaders have a good understanding of the times, they prepare and position themselves for the attendant change that comes with the change of the time. The Bible says there is a spirit in a man and the inspiration of the Almighty gives him understanding. Hence, you can come to the understanding of the times by the working of the Spirit of God and through diligent search and enquiry.

When leaders display sound grasps of the times, they TAKE THE LEAD with a sense of direction. Leadership without direction is a vicious circle of confusion. It takes a leader who understands the times to provide timely guidance on the right bearings to follow. Because Mordecai understood the time, he sent a timely instruction to Esther to use her good offices to bring about the deliverance for the Jews. Hence the understanding of the times, help leaders to TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES at their disposal.

A leader who considers the ignorance of the times as bliss will be unable to discriminate between the good, the bad and the ugly. Leaders need to know when to draw the line when confronted with tough decisions. Hence, the knowledge of the times enable leaders to the TAKE APPROPRIATION DECISIONS when faced with a tough call or otherwise. Put in another way, the knowledge of the times enables leaders to know when to shoot down a proposal that can impair their judgment and exercise of their discretion. Gehazi failed in this regard, in that his acceptance of the gifts offered by Naaman did not stand well with Elisha. His master considered it an inappropriate time to accept gifts especially those offered in appreciation of the salvation and deliverance wrought by the Lord (II Kings 5:26). Hence, I pray your heart be enlightened with the revelation and understanding of the times to enable you make appropriate decisions and lasting impact in Jesus name.