The Power of Initiative

Imagine the devastation that would result if emergency workers and first responders did not respond to calls for help. Think of the lives that would have been lost if scientists and medical researchers had not discovered medicines or vaccines that led to the eradication of deadly diseases and viruses. The common attribute among most inventors, entrepreneurs and great leaders is initiative or the ability to take action and resolve a difficulty or improve a particular situation.

Initiative has been likened to rocket fuel that provides a powerful, rapid surge of energy or motivation, pushing something forward with great intensity. Initiative inspires action, fuels success, and provides a significant boost in progress. In essence, having initiative is simply recognizing and doing what needs to be done before you are asked to do it.

Initiative is seen in David as he moves to confront the giant, Goliath who had intimidated an entire army and its captain (King Saul) to the point of fear and helplessness. David was a mere boy without any armor or sophisticated weapons yet he armed himself with a cause and took the initiative to stand for what was right. (1 Samuel 17)

In the biblical story of Esther, her initiative was demonstrated through her courage and strategic thinking to save her people. She didn't just passively wait for things to happen; she actively used her position and influence to counter the decree to kill the Jews. She used her beauty and charm to gain favor with the king and ultimately revealed her identity and the threat to the Jewish people, leading to the king's reversal of the death warrant and decree. (Esther 4:14)

Initiative characterized the four friends of a crippled man confined to a bed. Rather than yielding to the difficulty associated with getting their crippled friend in the presence of Jesus, they climbed to a rooftop, uncovered it and positioned their friend to receive his miracle from the Lord. (Mark 2:3-11)

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus illustrates the importance of taking initiative to help those in need. Unlike the priest and the Levite who passed by, the Samaritan took action to care for the wounded man. Jesus concludes the parable with the command, "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37), urging believers to actively show compassion.

These examples teach us that initiative is simply carrying out the will of God by being in tune with the heart of God.

When confronted by the challenges of the Covid-19 global pandemic, I knew as a denominational leader I could not be unresponsive and simply wait on a better day to come. I had to be the voice and the face of our church denomination during that time. I acknowledged what I didn’t know and committed to bring around me the people who had knowledge in the areas where I was lacking. Transparency and trust became the primary currency of those days but without initiative, none of our efforts would have ever taken flight. As a result, the church grew in every category. What could have been a financial disaster turned into miracles of supply literally around the world.

The marks of initiative include

• Taking the first step: Not waiting for instructions but proactively beginning tasks or projects.

• Originating new ideas: Having the characteristic of coming up with innovative solutions or approaches.

• Acting without being urged: Possessing the ability to think and act independently.

• Leading by example: Demonstrating a willingness to "go first" and take on challenging tasks.

• Going above and beyond: Exceeding expectations in fulfilling regular duties and taking on additional responsibilities or projects that demonstrate a willingness to contribute and grow.

• Decisiveness: Confidently making informed decisions and taking action without hesitation, even in challenging situations.

• Building Relationships and Collaboration: Fostering strong working relationships with colleagues and actively engaging in collaborative efforts, including offering help and sharing knowledge.

• Preparedness: Being ready for opportunities and challenges by anticipating needs and preparing for meetings or other activities.

• Goal-Orientation: Setting clear goals and actively working towards achieving them, often by taking initiatives that align with those goals.

  
  

The opposite of initiative is unresponsiveness. Unresponsiveness describes someone who is not communicating or taking action. Someone who is unresponsive ignores the needs around him and the promptings God gives him. However, Godly initiative involves taking action in a way that is pleasing to God, motivated by faith, and aligned with His will. It's not about forcing things, but about responding to God's revelation and then acting in faith. It's about trusting in God and His Holy Spirit to empower us to do what He wants us to do.

Taking initiative in times of need aligns with the biblical principle of faith in action. James 2:17states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This underscores the belief that genuine faith manifests in deeds, particularly in responding to the needs of others.

Taking initiative should always be accompanied by reliance on God's guidance and strength. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."