POSITIVE PROVOCATION

September 15, 2023

1 Samuel 11:7 (NKJV)
“So he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying, ‘Whoever does not go out with Saul and Samuel to battle, so it shall be done to his oxen.’ And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent.”

Interesting how the same people who were weeping despondently a moment ago, were now willing to take action for their brethren. What made the difference? A threat from Saul to their livelihood. The people would have done nothing to help their brethren at Jabesh Gilead if Saul had not provoked them to act, and I thank God he did.

Leaders provoke others to act. What makes you a leader is not an institutional position but a willingness to go the extra mile to help others. Your willingness to do something about a needy situation installs you as a leader in that situation, and because you cannot do it alone, you must provoke others to help you.

Most people do not realize the great capacity they have. People live and die without fully discharging the grace of God on their lives. Most people operate below their installed operating potential. One primary role of leadership is to provoke them into performance. You see their potential and you are willing to do what it takes to make them move!

But this isn’t easy. People don’t change easy. It takes much skill and wisdom to provoke people into God’s will for their lives. Because most people prefer to live in their comfort zone (the safety of their convictions), they are often reluctant to do anything outside that. As leaders, we need to push them beyond their areas of comfort.

Saul knew the button to press with his people. We need discernment to know what buttons to press with our people as well. Pressing the wrong buttons could be disastrous. Timing is also key. If God’s kingdom is to grow, however, we need to take the risk of provoking God’s people to act. That’s the only way to stop Nahash.

If you are leader, it’s your duty to positively provoke men to action. If you sense someone provoking you to action, please be open and willing to move beyond your comfort zone.

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