10.08.2009

Boyd Bailey: Accurate Information…

“He [Apollos] was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25

Accurate information is an expression of integrity. It is the ability to gather all the pertinent facts and communicate them clearly to all necessary parties. It’s when we get in a hurry that we distort data and forget details. We need to slow down and do an accuracy audit of our information. Are the dates right? Are the details precise? Does everyone affected understand? Accurate information and comprehension creates creditability.

Accuracy begins by being properly schooled and instructed, so you become a subject matter expert in the material you manage. Apollos was a student of Scripture, he examined the mind and heart of God expressed in Holy Writ and he allowed others to instruct him in the way of the Lord. He rightly divided the truth because he understood and applied the truth. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (1 Timothy 2:15, KJV).

Have you gone to school on the subject you are seeking to master? Do you have a mentor to instruct you and hold you accountable? Excellent work requires you to be an apostle of accurate information. As you learn to love the details that matter, your work will matter more. Accurate information is extremely valuable because it is the foundation for which assumptions are built. Does your process protect you from displaying inaccurate information?

Confidence comes when there is clarity of facts and comprehension of the content. Doubt will dog you as long as the truth is tentative and details are left unaccountable. It’s better to thoroughly work on one project and get it right, rather than engaging in a flurry of activity with only futility as its outcome. “You must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly” (Deuteronomy 13:14a). Do I take the proper time to gather, comprehend and communicate accurate information? Do I steward data precisely and accurately?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 25:15; Psalm 119:140; Acts 22:3; 2 Timothy 3:17

Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey

No comments: