One of the things that can be a huge challenge in leadership is when people disagree with a decision or a direction we have made or taken. However, it is not a universal thing. I’m not sure if that’s the right term but stick with me.

You see, there are some people who disagree and although you’d prefer them to agree who don’t lose much sleep over it. But there are other people who when they disagree it really bothers you and causes you to think about whether they might be right. These people tend to be skilled, intelligent and have a good reputation with others. Surely if we have heard the Lord correctly then everyone, especially smart people, will agree as well.

When I look through the Scriptures we see many people of good reputation and intelligence disagree with the word of the Lord. Jesus faced it, Paul faced it, Peter faced it and many OT prophets faced it. I was reading this recently from Ezekiel.

Some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat down in front of me. Then the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I let them inquire of me at all? Ezekiel 14:1-3

These were men of high reputation. They were the elders of Israel. They were well respected and clearly had some wisdom to have risen to that position. God makes it clear that even though they may have reputation their hearts were not fully turned to Him. So much so that He was considering whether He would listen to them at all.

This is a reminder to us all that our first job is to listen to the voice of the Lord. Our second job is to follow what His instructions are. We need to do that whether everyone agrees or no one agrees. We need to do that whether those people have good reputations or not.