Step 8: The Chain of Command
God’s plan in the church age is to have the church change the world. The way he does this is by saving individuals and getting them involved in what a local church is doing. As you seek the will of God and your part in God’s plan you will find that there are others out there that want to do God’s will. They will be interested in helping you. You are not on an island by yourself! What you do affects others. Seeking godly counsel will help you to perform what God wants you to do. This part of Proverbs 16 talks about a king. For the purpose of the will of God, this king represents people that are in your chain of command. They are the ones that you are under and are your authority in this life. It may be your parents or your pastor, or the mission organization that God has you part of. There are no “lone wolves” in God’s plan. By learning how to submit to them while influencing them to help you fulfill what it is God has called you to do is extremely important!
Proverbs 16:12 “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.”
Train your bosses to be better bosses! Train them to do the right thing! You must show them that you know what you are doing and get them on your side. There is no substitute for a good boss! Good bosses are not born. They are trained! When the leader sins, it affects everybody. As you seek the will of God, you must find the right people to get advice from. The way to judge them is by their fruits. See Jesus’ admonition in
Mathew 7:15-20
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
I was shopping for bell peppers the other day, there was a fruit inspector also looking at peppers. I asked him what he was doing. He said, “I am discarding the bad peppers.” He held out one so I could see it. It had black spots all over it. He then commented, “You wouldn’t pick this one would you?” I then understood. The bad leader must be discarded and not picked. He may have knowledge in some particular area, but his personal “wickedness” disqualifies him. Seek godly counsel from righteous men and women. The next verse shows you that the right counsellors look to pass on the wisdom they have learned out of love.
Proverbs 16:13 “Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.”
Good bosses are hard to find. A good boss is known by what he says. Don’t give excuses or lie. Say the right thing even if it is negative. There is no substitute to being able to tell your boss the truth, even if it is negative and the opposite of what he wants! You must have the liberty to be able to talk to your boss, pastor, or leader. Please see the section on communication under leadership. In fact, review that whole section to learn how to be a good leader and follower!
Proverbs 16:14 “The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.”
Many times the chain of command is wrong. They must be persuaded on what is the right thing. You must give your objections but then be ready to put it into practice and suggest changes for the right reasons. A mad or angry boss is hard to convince, but must be convinced by wisdom. Going against the chain of command will cause friction and division. It is not a good idea to look for counsel until you find someone that agrees with you. That would be a mistake. However, sometimes, when you are sure you are doing what God wants you to do you may have to leave and go somewhere else. Before you ever quit a job or leave a church, please see the advice presented in “Quit ye like men!” It is important to understand that the highest authority is the “King” James Bible. It is God’s word. Even if every other king is against it, it is still right.
Proverbs 16:15 “In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.”
Keep the people in charge on your side. Keep them informed. They are valuable tools. Making them successful brings blessings to all and is one of the purposes of being part of the team. God’s team is the church. God blesses the church as they work together to bring Him glory. Part of doing God’s will is finding your place in the chain of command that God has placed you in. You are both a leader and a follower, learning how to do both will make you successful, not only as a Christian, but as a maintenance tech!