Remove the Crutches

Hezekiah became king at twenty-five and was a great example of living a life that was both heavenly-minded and earthly good. He had great ambition, and supplemented it with humble prayer. He accomplished significant change in the political and economic status of his kingdom that led to generosity, praise, and gratitude. He won mighty military battles through trust and petition to God. He was a man of the people and a man of God. He asked for help, and God delivered. Now it was time to test his character. To see if he could walk on his own two feet.

"However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." (2 Chronicles 32:31)

One of the hardest things to do as a parent or a leader is to remove the crutches and let people walk on their own. To no longer make the decisions, control the situation, or shield them from the arrows falling on their position. But failing to do so prevents them from becoming the king God created them to be. Sometimes you have to break a few bones to strengthen the legs.

Our job as parents is not to raise great children, but to raise great adults. We must cause them to practice adulting and experience the pressure and a little failure if we ever want them to soar on their own. 

As leaders, we need to do the same thing.

If we want our teams to grow, we have to get out of the way.

If we want our teams to grow, we have to get out of the way. Let the team struggle through tough situations. Require proposed solutions, not just problems. Put other people on stage to sweat a little.  

Reputation can be controlled by protecting our people, social media, and headlines. Character must be tested. Withdraw for a season and test what's truly in the heart. Remove the crutches and see who runs.