One of the most powerful influences in a group is consensus. Consensus simply means agreement. For the vast majority of times, we strive for that outcome, but there are occasions when it actually gets in the way of what God wants to accomplish. Consensus is only valuable if our agreement is around the word of the Lord, not the need to retain position in the group or to appear like we are a team player. We get the term, “yes man”, from that kind of compromised thinking.
I know of men and women who had the courage to voice their opinion even as a group was moving toward a final resolution on a particular issue. In a few of those instances, the spirit of compromise was broken and a new direction was taken. In other cases, those present abdicated their role of authority and followed the group into a place of error.
If you ever find yourself going along with a spirit of compromise, when the meeting is over, you will leave feeling soiled. Give your failure to God and ask Him to show you where you allowed fear to lead you into a place of compromise instead of speaking the truth in love. The next time you find yourself in a similar situation you will walk into the meeting with wisdom and a new sense of confidence because your past failure will be wrapped in the mercy of God. From that place of mercy speak with honor what is on your heart and leave the outcome in God’s hands. Maybe the courage you exhibit will ignite a similar courage in others to freely share their opinion. The ability for others to speak in open and honest dialogue is a by-product of true leadership.
“He who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” Proverbs 18:17
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