There are times we are called upon to make 'people decisions': the choosing of a spouse, the choosing of friends, selecting a team for a particular project, hiring workers or installing leaders.

Scriptures give us valuable insight regarding people decisions: Throughout the Biblical record, God chooses people with whom He wants to work. He calls Moses at the burning bush (in Exodus 3); Gideon under the oak in Ophrah (in Judges 6); Paul on the Damascus road (in Acts 9). Sometimes God involves others in the process of selection - the messenger of Abraham chooses a bride for Isaac (Genesis 24), the prophet Samuel anoints David as God's choice for Israel's king (1Samuel 16:6-13).

Timothy and Titus were to appoint elders (Titus 1:5). Timothy was to select reliable men to disciple (2Timothy 2:2). They had certain criteria in mind. In addition to Christian character they were to examine the record of the past performances of potential candidates. Were they reliable? Were they able to effectively pass on their knowledge and skills to others? Could they reproduce ministry? Have they successfully done so? In what ways were skills evident? (See Exodus 36, 1 Chronicles 25:1-7). What reputation did they have with those who had observed them over the years? (Acts 16:2).

Good people decisions require discernment, as Samuel found out. The people were unduly influenced by outward appearance (illustrated by the appointing of Saul). Saul turned out to be a poor choice. He eventually was disqualified for service. Another poor selection was almost made when Samuel leaned towards appointing Jesse's eldest son, Eliab. In terms of being voted 'most likely to succeed', the little brother of Eliab, David, was not even considered in the running. Eliab looked the part - "Samuel saw Eliab and thought, 'Surely the Lord's anointed stands here before the LORD.' But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'" (1Samuel 16:6-7).

Samuel was saved from making a poor decision by listening to God. This was not something that was automatic with Samuel. He had to learn to listen. He had to learn from his mistakes (1Samuel 3). So do we.

Leadership development is vital to any successful ongoing mission. The early church had to tune its ear to the voice of the Spirit in order to be willing to release Paul and Barnabas for further evangelism and church planting (Acts 13:2).

Jesus taught his followers to pray. Jesus prayed all night before appointing his disciples. He told them to pray to the Lord of the harvest to deploy qualified laborers. God needs people to do His work. He invites us to participate in the process of their recruitment, training and commissioning.

Watch and pray. Put yourself in the place of being alert to the Holy Spirit and circumspect in your estimations of others. What are you looking for in a co-worker, friend, spouse, etc.? How does it match the specifications given for such in Scripture?

Lord, give us the wisdom and courage to make good 'people decisions'.

Yours in the harvest,