The Next Righteous Thing
Leaders are smart. We’re especially adept with people. It’s a superpower. Our ability is both a God-given instinct and one that’s developed through experience. In any case, through the years, our “crystalized knowledge” has helped us understand how people are wired, how they think, and how they will react to any given situation or decision.*
This is a blessing. But like any strength, it can also be a weakness. Knowing how people will react can distract us from discerning God's will.
For pastors and ministry leaders, focusing too much on how our communities and congregations will respond to a sermon, a post about a social injustice, or a change in theological course can be hazardous. Instead of focusing on God’s character and Word, listening to his voice, and submitting to his desires, we’re often tempted to do and say what will elicit a favorable response.
I know this temptation is real for me.
So, what do we do? How can we care for our people without catering to their will? How do we take the next righteous step regardless of the reaction?
To be sure, this is always a nuanced consideration. But a classic example of discerning the next righteous thing and resisting a favorable reaction takes place in a cave in the wilderness of Engedi.
David is being hunted by Saul, who is jealous and paranoid about losing his throne. When David finds Saul vulnerable in a cave, his men urge him to take action—This is your moment! The Lord has delivered your enemy into your hand.* It’s a moment of immense temptation. David knows how people will react if he kills Saul—they’ll cheer for him, the nation will rally behind him, and his path to the throne will be secure. His community has even baptized the opportunity in spiritual meaning and divine blessing.
Yet, David refuses. “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.” (1 Samuel 24:6). He chooses righteousness over reaction. He resists the instinct to manage perception or manipulate outcome. He centers God’s character rather than trying to secure people’s applause.
Choosing the next righteous thing requires great courage and trust. It’s hard. Yet, this is the path of Christ. He too resisted the constant pressure from his community to take up authority in ways that went against his Father’s will—instead, choosing the next righteous thing, which ultimately led him to the cross.*
Here are a few things to consider when discerning God’s righteousness and the crowd’s reaction:
Measure faithfulness, not applause. In a results-driven world, reaction often feels like validation. But fruit in God’s kingdom is measured by faithfulness, not metrics. Ask, did I walk in obedience? Before asking, did it work?
Examine your motivation. Before acting or speaking, ask why—not just what or how. Motivation reveals allegiance. Are you motivated by love for God and neighbor, or by the desire to be liked, understood, or admired? Even good actions can come from mixed motives. Righteous leadership begins when the “why” of our hearts aligns with the “will” of God.
Invite truth-telling voices. Surround yourself with trusted leaders and friends who aren’t impressed by you. People who love you enough to ask, “Are you choosing what’s right or what’s popular?” David had men who advised him, but he needed a word from the Lord more than affirmation from peers.
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*As Arthur Brooks explains, “Fluid intelligence peaks early in life, but crystallized intelligence—the ability to use accumulated knowledge and experience—rises through middle age and remains strong for decades. It’s the basis of wisdom, teaching, and leadership” (From Strength to Strength, 38–39).
*See 1 Samuel 24.
* See Matthew 4:1-10, 16:21–23 and John 6:14–15.
