Wisdom for Public Life
“…the men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do…”
1 Chronicles 12:32
Every Generation Believes It Lives in Exceptional Times
Perhaps every generation is right.
Yet our age presents challenges unlike anything humanity has previously encountered.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work and think.
Information has become abundant while wisdom often feels scarce.
Algorithms increasingly shape attention.
Identity has become uncertain.
Institutions once trusted are questioned.
Communities are fragmenting.
Loneliness is rising.
Technology advances faster than character.
Many people know more than ever before.
Few seem more certain how to live.
Wisdom Is More Than Information
Knowledge answers questions. Wisdom asks better ones.
Knowledge accumulates facts. Wisdom understands people.
Knowledge explains what can be done. Wisdom discerns what should be done.
The Scriptures consistently distinguish between intelligence and wisdom.
The wisest leaders are rarely those who know everything. They are those who have learned to fear God, seek truth, exercise humility and discern the moment in which they live.
Discernment That Leads to Action
Among the tribes of Israel, Scripture singles out one small group for remarkable praise.
The men of Issachar were commended because they possessed two qualities.
They understood the times.
They knew what Israel should do.
Discernment always leads to faithful action.
Understanding without obedience becomes little more than observation.
At Leaders and Followers, the example of Issachar has become a guiding framework for public leadership.
We encourage leaders to ask three simple questions:
What is true?
What time is it?
What faithfulness is required now?
Following the One Who Is Wisdom
Jesus never invited people merely to admire His teaching.
He called them to follow Him.
“Abide in Me.”
He washed His disciples’ feet and said, “I have given you an example.”
He taught, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
Throughout His ministry, Jesus repeatedly showed that wisdom is not simply knowing what is right.
Wisdom is putting truth into practice.
Over the years we have devoted considerable time to studying the commands of Jesus—not as a checklist, but as a pattern for human flourishing.
His commands reveal not only what we should believe.
They show us how to live.
How to lead.
How to forgive.
How to serve.
How to endure.
How to make peace.
Wisdom for Those Who Carry Responsibility
Much of our work brings us alongside people carrying significant public responsibility.
Members of Congress.
Senior figures in the Administration.
Parliamentarians.
Diplomats.
Military leaders.
Business executives.
Authors, producers, and presenters.
Educators.
Church leaders.
Community builders.
Different callings. Common challenges.
Each must make decisions amid uncertainty.
Each needs more than information.
They need wisdom.
Our desire is not to tell people what to think politically.
Our desire is to help people think wisely, biblically and courageously.
To recognise the difference between noise and signal.
Between urgency and importance.
Between popularity and faithfulness.
Discernment Grows in Company
Understanding the times is not achieved in isolation.
It grows through:
Scripture.
Prayer.
Study.
Listening.
Friendship.
Shared meals.
Honest conversation.
History.
Reflection.
And humble dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
This is why we gather.
Not to chase headlines.
But to cultivate discernment.
To become people who understand the times.
Who know what to do.
And who possess the courage to do it.