Tenets of Leadership: Inaction Is a Choice—and It Is the Wrong One

“Leader's act. Indecision corrodes. Delay destroys.”

Leadership is never neutral. Choosing not to act is still a choice, and it is usually the wrong one. Problems don’t vanish with time; they grow. Like an untreated wound, delay only leads to deeper damage. A decisive leader steps forward, even at the risk of being wrong, because inaction leaves everyone stuck.

“If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” (James 4:17)

(James 4:17) confronts leaders with a sobering truth: failing to do the good you know you ought to do is sin. Leadership is not about avoiding mistakes but about having the courage to act in alignment with what is right. True leadership requires vigilance, humility, and faithfulness, not passive silence.

Leaders often hesitate to preserve their reputation or avoid conflict. Yet Scripture calls them to embody active righteousness, even when the cost is high. Courageous action, rooted in conviction, sets the example for those you lead and reflects a faith that trusts God more than appearances.

Question for the Reader:
What decision have you been avoiding that you know God is calling you to make?

Prayer:

Lord, give me the courage to act when You call me to act. Keep me from hiding in comfort or delay. Teach me to step forward in faith, with humility and conviction, knowing that obedience honors You. Amen.

Reflection Question:
Where has indecision kept you from leading well, and what is one step of faithful action you can take today?