Dictionary
Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place." Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles. (Acts 1:24-26 HCSB)
There's been much talk about competence recently, and I just got an email from a Mighty Man of God who pointed out that “God will use the obedient and not the qualified" to which I agreed wholeheartedly. And I hope to paint a picture, for anyone who reads this, of a Biblical example of God doing this kind of choosing.
It is sad but true that many people elevate competence and qualifications above all else, and I recently read an article about a USMC Retired General who told a class of young Marines (in so many words) that without competence, character and other personal traits become irrelevant. I know I don't have near the experience and credibility of this General, but I'd like to pose a question in regards to that statement: When does character ever become irrelevant? I also shared this with my older brother, David, and he said he disagreed with the General's assertion that “if there is a #1 leadership trait, it has to be competence." David said the number 1 trait will always be humility, and I definitely believe that Jesus – Who was the perfect leader – demonstrated that for us, as the Apostle Paul describes in Philippians 2.
What prompted me to start typing a YouVersion note, and later this blog post was a thought that came to my mind when I read that email I mentioned as I started writing this tonight – the one from the older and wiser man about God using the obedient. I responded by saying the following: “I learned in reading the end of 1 Chronicles that many leaders were chosen (as was their specific duty) by casting lots. I don't think it was because leadership qualities weren't important, on the contrary, I think these qualities were so important that everyone had them. And so there was no need to rack and stack man to man and conduct a ‘board process' to determine who should be in charge. – they were all equally competent and up to the task!"
Much has probably been written about this Biblical practice, and balance is definitely key because God shows us who should lead based on performance sometimes – for example, when we're faithful in the little things, God puts us in charge of bigger things, and other people will move you up into higher positions when you're faithful in the smaller tasks as well!
I continued my email reply by saying, “I can't help but wonder what an organization would look like today in which everyone did everything with all of his/her heart as worship to the Lord – then when it came time to select a leader, lots would be cast, and those who think they're choosing would really realize that it is God Who chooses – they would then get out of the way and let the lot fall on whomever it may! This would surely be an organization I'd love to be a part of!"
Peace,
Adam
Full disclosure – now because I'm a Marine, of course I believe competence is important. I would just be very wary of any kind of message that elevates competence above character, that is a slippery slope indeed. And I'm not saying the General is purposefully doing that, but it would be a very easy next logical step for a young impressionable 2nd Lt to make who is trying to progress in this “gun club." And it is a step, I'd wager, that has been already taken by many – as evidenced by some of the court martial's I've heard about over the years.
Linked verses:
Acts 1:24-26
Philippians 2
1 Chronicles 25:8 & 26:13
Luke 16:10
Colossians 3:23