Is It Time for Fresh Horses?

One thing I spend time praying about throughout the year is the Horses I am running with - those on my team or part of a group I lead who are part of building what God has called me to build to advance His Kingdom.

It’s easy to assume people you walk and war with still have the same mindset as you do.

It’s easy to continue to believe that they still have the same passion, vision, and agree with how your mission should advance.

Ignoring the possibility of changing mindsets can be to our detriment.

The Apostle Paul addresses this in his letter to the Galatians. “I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God… You are already following a different way…” (Gal. 1:6).

Now, maybe those on your team are not turning entirely from God, but they may be listening to a different message – one that questions your character, your calling, your vision. Or, they may be considering following their own path and not be as committed to your mission as they once were.

We won’t know who has changed their mindset unless we take time to interview them and listen to others who are working with them and those outside your circle who interact with them. God will reveal the committed - and those who are drifting to following a different agenda.

And while we are determining just how committed they are… find out if it’s mainly based on their salary… or is it really in their heart.

Remember, Paul also said to the Galatians, “It takes only one wrong person among you to infect all the others… (Gal. 5:9).

As Leaders, we must face two questions:

1. Are we willing to truly listen and hear what’s really going on?

2. Are we willing to change horses if necessary?

These are signs of a true leader.

Most people do not want to ‘rock the boat’… change the status quo… change horses. They don’t want to see the truth… that is often obvious to those around them. They don’t want to make the effort it takes to face reality.

True Leaders must engage and:

1. Evaluate those they are building with

2. Be willing to let go of those who are not in one accord

3. Be on the lookout for Fresh Horses who will pull with them in the same direction, with the same commitment to advance the Kingdom of God alongside with you.

I’ve had to do this… and let some horses go. As you pray, ask the God - “is it time for Fresh Horses”?

© John P. Kelly