Have you ever been in a tight spot and thought, “I just need to do this for now—just until things calm down”?
As leaders, we’ve all been there. The pressure builds. The options shrink. And suddenly, expediency feels like the only path forward.
But the cautionary tale of Elimelech in Ruth chapter 1 serves as a powerful reminder: the danger of expediency in leadership is real—and the consequences are often more far-reaching than we imagine.
A Famine, A Family, and a Fatal Choice
Elimelech lived in Bethlehem during the time of the Judges, a dark and chaotic season in Israel’s history. The land was suffering—politically oppressed by the Midianites (Judges 6:1–6) and devastated by a famine. Rather than staying in Bethlehem and trusting God, Elimelech took his wife Naomi and their two sons to Moab—a nation known for its pagan practices and long-standing hostility toward Israel.
On paper, it seemed practical. Moab had food. Bethlehem didn’t. But the move, meant to be temporary, became tragically permanent. Elimelech died in Moab. His sons married Moabite women—and then they, too, died. Naomi was left in a foreign land with two daughters-in-law and no support. This tragic sequence of events underscores the long-term consequences of expedient decisions in leadership.
The danger of expediency in leadership is this: what feels like a short-term solution can lead to long-term suffering if it’s outside of God’s will.
When Expediency Replaces Obedience
Scripture never tells us that Elimelech sought the Lord’s direction before moving his family. There’s no mention of prayer, no consultation with God—only a decision based on survival. But leadership rooted in expediency rather than faith is like building on sand—the foundation may hold for a while, but it won’t withstand the storm.
Elimelech didn’t anticipate his death. He didn’t plan for the grief Naomi would carry. He couldn’t see how his sons’ marriages to foreign women—outside of God’s design for Israel—would create complications. And yet, the results of that decision speak volumes.
What This Means for Leaders Today
As Christian leaders, we are frequently called upon to make difficult decisions. The demands are high. Time is short. People are watching. And in those moments, the temptation is strong to choose what’s convenient over what’s right.
But the danger of expediency in leadership is that we can trade God’s best for temporary relief. And once that trade is made, it’s not always easy to undo.
God calls us to lead with wisdom, courage, and faith—not reaction, fear, or comfort. Elimelech’s story serves as a cautionary tale for all of us who bear the weight of influence.
God’s Grace in the Aftermath
Even in the midst of these consequences, God’s grace was at work. Naomi returned to Bethlehem bitter, yet not without hope. Ruth, her Moabite daughter-in-law, chose faith and followed her husband’s advice. That decision led to redemption—not just for Naomi but for generations to come.
God can redeem our missteps. But how much better if we had trusted Him from the beginning?
Conclusion: Leadership That Lasts Is Built on Faith, Not Expediency
Elimelech’s story is not just a tale from the past—it’s a mirror for every Christian leader today. We all face famines of one kind or another: spiritual drought, financial strain, organizational uncertainty, and relational breakdown. And in those moments, the quick solution often whispers, “Just do this for now.”
However, leadership built on expediency is often leadership that misses the deeper work of God.
Elimelech meant to sojourn, but he stayed. He thought Moab was a temporary fix, but it became his grave. The danger of expediency in leadership is that it often blinds us to the eternal perspective. It lures us into settling for less than God’s best.
God may still redeem our story—as He did with Ruth and Naomi—but how much better to walk in obedience from the beginning?
So the next time you’re tempted to choose what’s easy, pause and ask: “Is this faith or fear? Trust or survival?” Because true leadership—the kind that honors God and shapes eternity—is rarely born from expediency.
Action Steps for Leaders: Guarding Against Expediency
In moments of leadership pressure, it’s vital to slow down and make faith-driven decisions rather than reactive ones. Here are five practical steps to help you avoid the trap of expediency:
- Pause and Pray – Don’t rush. Give space for God’s voice to speak through the noise.
- Seek God’s Word – Anchor your decision in Scripture, not circumstances.
- Listen to Wise Counsel – Surround yourself with spiritually grounded advisors.
- Check Your Motives – Ask, “Am I doing this because it’s easier or because it’s right?”
- Look Beyond the Moment – Consider the long-term spiritual impact of your decision.
Discussion Questions for Reflection or Group Study
Use these questions to reflect personally or spark thoughtful conversation in your leadership circles:
- Have you ever made a leadership decision that seemed wise at the time but led to unexpected consequences?
- What pressures in your life or leadership tempt you to choose expediency over obedience?
- How can you create margin in your decision-making process to seek God more intentionally?
- Who are the trusted voices you go to for wise, godly counsel?
- In what ways have you seen God redeem your past leadership missteps?
More Articles
I have written several articles on the character of a leader. You can find them by typing “Character” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of the most recent articles.
- #626: Your Miseries Are Always Opportunities for Ministry
- #598: What If You Found a Letter from God in Your Mailbox?
- #588: Blending Faith and Work: The Christian Guide to Worshiping God at Work
- #564: From Exile to Influence: Harnessing Faith for Business Success
- #562: 4 Lessons from Ezekiel on Leading with Ethical Conduct and Moral Responsibility
Join the Conversation
As always, we welcome questions and comments. Has expediency in leadership caused heartaches in your organization? In what way?
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Category: Personal Development | Character
