Who's On Your Board Of Directors?
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. – Proverbs 11:14
I’m not going to take credit for the idea behind this devotion. It came from one of my favorite authors, Annie F. Downs. If you haven’t read any of her books or listened to her podcast, That Sounds Fun, then take my word for it and check her out. She’s amazing, to say the least.
As I’m writing this devotion, she’s going through a series on her podcast called “Build Your Board.” As she was introducing the series on her social media, Annie talked about how all successful companies and organizations have a board of directors. These boards are made up of wise people who hold expertise in different areas and can bring great advice, wisdom, and discernment to make the company better.
So if the most successful companies and organizations see the importance of having a board of directors, what would it look like for us to recognize that same importance in our individual lives?
I’ve been thinking a lot about this concept recently, especially as I wrote my new devotional, “For My Single Friend” because it was in my mid-twenties, right in the middle of my singleness journey, that I really started to take “building my board” seriously. I wouldn’t have called it that at the time, but that’s what I began to do. And that process has continued to grow and evolve even now that I’m just starting off my thirties.
While I am confident that the members of my board during my single years made a huge impact on my life, I definitely think my board of directors could have been even more robust. So, friend, that’s what I want to challenge you to think about today. Who is on the board of directors in your life? Do you feel like you have a strong team behind you? Or are there gaps you need the Lord to fill?
I love what today’s key verse from Proverbs says, “...in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 14:11). When we are intentional about surrounding ourselves with wise, godly people, we are better for it. We were never designed to live this life alone. So when it comes to building your board of directors, we need not neglect the importance of choosing the right people.
Now, I know that can sound kind of intimidating. How do you know who to put on your board of directors? What are the criteria for giving someone access to your life and the power to speak into it? That’s what I want to help you with today.
I believe there are three things to consider when you are filling your board of directors. Someone on your board should be:
Actively pursuing and following Jesus
Living a life of godly wisdom and discernment
Setting an example that you want to follow
If there’s someone in your life who you consistently go to for advice, but they’re not meeting these criteria, then it might be time to consider if they’re someone you want on your board of directors or if you want to fill that chair with someone else.
I know that might sound a little harsh, but I can’t stress enough how vital it is to be discerning as you choose the people you seek and take advice from.
If someone is trying to give you advice, but they’re not actively following Jesus, they’re not practicing wisdom in their own life, or they’re setting an example that you don’t want to follow, then that’s probably not a person you should be seeking counsel from.
On the other hand, if you can find a few people who are chasing hard after Jesus, who consistently make choices with wisdom and discernment, and who are setting a Christ-like example that you want to follow, you’re going to set yourself up so well when the time comes that you need counsel, advice, wisdom, or prayer.
Like today’s key verse says, there is safety in an abundance of counselors. So don’t hesitate to start building your own board.
My board got me through the toughest moments of my single years, and they were also there to cheer me on and celebrate with me in the greatest moments of my single years. They prayed for me constantly. They pointed me towards Jesus consistently. They challenged me regularly. And they loved me unconditionally.
That’s what I want for you, friend. I hope you know I’ll be praying for you as you begin (or continue) to assemble your board.