Sometimes as leaders we don’t delegate when we should because of the hassle. Even with training, people may not complete the task according to our specifications. They may neglect their responsibility or do it late. People can disappoint. They may not intend to fail but sometimes they do. We need to remember Jesus’ words in John 16:33 so we realistically view delegation. — “In this world you will have trouble.”
Realistically We Shouldn’t Expect Delegation to Always Go Well
We’re dealing with human beings who are not perfect so we shouldn’t expect delegation to always go well. We’re all in process — even leaders. The Apostle Paul’s conclusion applies to us as well as those who serve alongside of us. — “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Phil. 3:12)
God forgives us when we fail. He extends grace and mercy to us knowing the pull of human nature. — “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.” (Ps. 103:13-14) — If we seek His perspective and heart for people, we’ll tend to view delegation as an opportunity to help people learn and grow. When they err, we’ll use it to disciple rather than get frustrated and annoyed.
A Realistic View of Delegation Leads to Being Prepared with God’s Spiritual Armor
Satan would rather we get angry when delegation goes awry. It gives him a foothold (Eph. 4:26-27) to take us away from God’s intent for how the Church should function. We get distracted from His purpose for us to love others (Matt. 22:37-40). Rather than exhibit the qualities of love in 1 Corinthians 13, we become impatient. We struggle to show kindness. We lose trust and hope in other people.
Rather than expect all to go well, we need to arm ourselves with the resources God provides to prevent problems and to keep perspective when delegation doesn’t go well. — “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Eph. 6:11-13)
We need to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph. 6:10) and trust Him in every single aspect of church leadership, which includes delegating. Too much can go wrong. We need to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5) so our own hearts and minds maintain the perspective God wants us to have.
For More: Resources on Divine Weapons for Spiritual Warfare
All Posts about Delegation:
- What Does Delegation Have to do with Love?
- Delegation Done Purposefully
- Basis for Delegating
- Lessons about Delegation from Jesus
- Christ-like Goal in Delegating
- What If Jesus Hadn’t Delegated?
- Only God Truly Empowers
- Delegation Influenced by the Gospel
- Delegation Influenced by Grace
- Leaders’ Spiritual Gifting May Affect Delegating
- Who to Delegate to Based on Spiritual Gifts
- Avoiding Pitfalls of Delegation
- Delegation Enveloped in Prayer
- Delegation Because of the Resurrected Jesus
- Realistically View Delegation
- Delegation Protected in the Name of the Lord
- Delegation Learned Through the Word
- Leaders Who are Good Stewards Tend to Delegate More
- Delegation Propelled by the Holy Spirit