DCL 4.4 Instruction | Biblical Case Study | Ten Spies v Two Spies and Elijah
Video Presentation: John Hull, President / CEO, EQUIP
As Israel approached the Jordan River, Moses sent out twelve spies to investigate the Land of Promise. All twelve spies took the journey and explored the land. They had similar experiences, but their reports were varied.
Similarities of the Spies:
All twelve were leaders in their tribes.
All twelve were aware of God’s promise.
All twelve were given the same assignment.
Differences of the Spies:
Ten brought a negative report; Joshua and Caleb brought a positive report.
Ten saw problems; Joshua and Caleb saw possibilities.
Ten saw obstacles; Joshua and Caleb saw opportunities.
Ten saw God in light of their circumstances; Joshua and Caleb saw circumstances in light of their God.
The major difference between those who delivered the majority and minority reports was attitude. The negative attitude of the ten spies resulted in a negative report which had a poisonous influence on the people. As a result, two million people were deprived of their inheritance in Canaan. If only they had listened to the possibility thinking of Joshua and Caleb.
Possibility thinking is a major difference maker in the lives of leaders and has an enormous influence in many arenas of life.
Possibility thinking…
1. Determines our approach to life.
2. Attracts winners, not whiners, to our team.
3. Is often the only difference between success and failure.
4. Often turns problems into blessings.
5. Empowers others to reach their potential.
DISCUSSION
- The Law of Magnetism in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership says, “Who you are is who you attract.” If you have a team of negative people, how might your leadership be contributing to the negative atmosphere of your team?
- Choose one challenging issue this week and practice the skill of possibility thinking with your team.
Elijah grew tired of his people’s spiritual rebellion and was angry with the false prophets. Even though outnumbered 850 to 1 by his foes (1 Kings 18:19) on Mt. Carmel, he confronted them boldly. Like the underdog David, he met the enemy with courage and passion. He possessed possibility thinking because:
1. His God was greater than all the pagan gods.
2. His faith was stronger than his fear.
3. His resolution outweighed his reservations.
DISCUSSION
- For the Christian leader, how is faith a key ingredient in possibility thinking?
DCL Meditation and Inspiration Media and Notes © Willow Creek Association.
DCL Instruction Media and Notes © EQUIP Million Leaders Mandate Volume 2
