Servant Leader, how often in business and life do we encounter someone who simply refuses to listen? We've all been there. Whether it's a customer, an employee, a student, or a friend, sometimes we run across an individual who just refuses to listen.
Maybe your friend voted for "the other guy" or maybe your daughter swears that "he loves me." Perhaps you've tried two or three times to teach an employee a task and they are adamant that their way is better. Even your supervisor is not immune, sometimes asking your opinion but then ignoring your logical solution despite its clear benefits. As aggravating and innocuous as they may be, refusal to listen can be disruptive. Take Pharoah as an extreme case.
So, Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only you shall not go very far away. Intercede for me.” Then Moses said, “Indeed I am going out from you, and I will entreat the Lord, that the swarms of flies may depart tomorrow from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. But let Pharaoh not deal deceitfully anymore in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the Lord.” So, Moses went out from Pharaoh and entreated the Lord. And the Lord did according to the word of Moses; He removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. Not one remained. But Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also; neither would he let the people go. (Exodus 8:28-32, NKJV)
While it is highly unlikely that you are dealing with Pharoah, your Intransigent may seem as powerful or as unmoving as Moses' Pharoah. I mean, after four plagues, you would think someone might intercede and bring Pharoah to his senses, but alas, Exodus teaches us that Pharoah had three more plagues to go before God released his heart to release God's people.
Here's the thing, Servant Leader, maybe God is hardening the heart of your Intransigent just like He did Pharoah. Maybe the difficulty you face (or have faced) is all part of His Plan to mature you, to grow you, and to prepare you for your next challenge. If it seems like every branch of the river you choose to swim has a stronger current than the last, but the rocky sides and raging waterfall prevent you from getting out, maybe the lesson isn't in escaping Pharoah, but in learning to trust the God of the universe - and maybe learn a little something about yourself and leadership along the way.
So, the next time you're faced with intransigence, look to solve the issue. If that doesn't work, if they refuse to listen, look for the lesson. You might just be able to avoid the last three plagues if you learn the lesson in four.
Food for thought.
Have a blessed day, Servant Leader.
