Leadership Modeled

Everything was made by God and finds it’s purpose in Him (Jn 1:3, Col 1:16-17).  So, if we’re to please God, we should gain an understanding of how he defines and purposes everything (Ro 12:2).  And more than ever lately I’ve noticed that there’s been a great disparity between how man chooses to define and purpose things compared to how God does.  We’ll look at the subject of leadership in this post. 

I’ve chosen our best example of how to live:  Jesus -God’s Word made flesh. 

I’ll list some examples of how he shepherded as he walked, and continues to, by is living Word. 

But first, to lead means to guide on a way, especially by going in advance, and to direct on a course or in a direction (m-w.com). 

 

1. Make no mistake about it, there is no other way to lead but by example.  The very image of a leader is someone who precedes, someone who is out front.  No effective leader ever took a “Do as I say, not as I do” approach to leadership.  And God bless the fool who would follow such a hypocrite.  A person who has:  a) gone before, and b) been successful, can be trusted to direct another (Jn 1:14; Heb 4:15). 
2. Leadership demands a sincere effort to achieve greatness, to meet the mark (Lk 22:42-44; Heb 12:4; 1Co 9:24-27; Php 3:12). 
3. Leaders must make necessary sacrifices, and with those sacrifices come rewards.  Surely, double honor follows double work [Jn 10:18; 19:30; Mk 16:19; 2Co 5:21; Mt 10:39; 16:25; 1Co 15:55; Rev 1:18; 3:21; 1Ti 5:17]
4. Leaders are held accountable and must understand that the decisions they make have lasting effects.  Everyone has someone or over them that they’re accountable to and someone under them that they’re both accountable for, and yes, accountable to [Lk 2:49; Jn 12:49; 1Co 15:45: Ro 5:12,19].
5. Leadership demands the courage (Mt 8:23-26; 10:28; Lk 22:42).
6. Leaders appropriately delegate authority to subordinates along with the necessary encouragement, instruction, and support in order to reach a defined goal (Mt 4:19; 28:18-20).

 

You may’ve noticed that with the scriptures given, these are instructions intended for all of us, whether or not we have been called into a leadership position in the body, as we’re called to be light of the world and salt of the earth, and by default lead in our own way, for someone (Mt 5:13-16).

 

(Also, I’m positive I didn’t get them all, so go ahead and pull out your own scripture-based examples of Christ-like leadership, and add them in the comments box below.)

Shalom!

Peace, first of all, is granted by God, and secondly, as a reward for obedience (Lev 26:3, 6).

There’s no peace -only fear of punishment- for the disobedient because of the lack of the intimate presence of God, who is love (Hab 1:13; 1 Jn 4:18). But for those who have either obeyed or truly repented for their disobedience, we’ve been freed from the yoke of slavery to sin (which results in death) and we’re ‘enabled to walk with heads held high’ to serve our Lord unhindered (Lev 26:13; Ro 6:23; Gal 5:1, 13).  

Throughout the Old Testament there’s an ebb and flow of the people of Israel enjoying peace and prosperity because of their obedience to God (and often His leaders), and suffering from death, lack, and destruction because of their disobedience (from Judges to 2 Chronicles; Jn 10:10). (Remember:  Although the Lord is merciful and long-suffering, there’ll be a Day of Judgment for all of us where we’re given the wages of all that we’ve done on earth, whether good or bad [2 Pe 3:9; 2 Co 5:10; Ac 3:19].)  

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ (Ro 15:13).  

(See:  Nu 6:26; 25:12; Dt 20:10; Jdg 3:11, 30; 5:31; 6:24; 8:28; 1Sa 7:14; 2Sa 10:19; 1Ki 2:33; 1Ch 22:9; Job 22:21; Ps 29:11; 119:165; Pr 16:7; Isa 9:6; 26:3; 54:10; Jer 30:10; Mt 5:9; Jn 14:27; Ro 1:7; 2:10; 5:1; 8:6; 1Co 14:33; Gal 5:22; Eph 2:14; 6:15; Php 4:7; Col 1:20; 3:15; 1Th 5:33; 2Th 3:16; Heb 13:20; Jas 3:17; 1Pe 3:11)

Be Blessed

Okay, right as I’m leaving the house tonight to go to a lab and type this, I’m tested on what the Holy Spirit had revealed should be my topic for this week’s post.  One of my teenage neighbors is leaning on my car -as if it’s his own- and when one of his friends jokingly suggests he show more respect, he gives a pretty nasty response.  I was put off by his actions, but thank God I chose to pray for him (and myself) instead of thinking badly of him or cursing him, even in my mind.  Now, being honest, this is not to say that it couldn’t have gone the other way -because God is still working on me- but I can thank God I can testify that I’m not where I was.  The Holy Spirit held my tongue.  Because of my yielding to God’s word, it was him who handled the situation, not Michael.  Thank you Lord!

The way we choose to respond to the provocation, snares, plots, schemes, etc. of those who oppose us determines whether, or not, we’re blessed:

1.    Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Lk 6:27-28; Ro 12:14).  Please keep in mind that this is a command, not a request.  So try to live, so that you can also testify that when you’re cursed, you bless; when you’re persecuted, you endure it; when you’re slandered, you answer kindly. (1 Co 4:12-13)   

2.    Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him (Pr 24:17-18).  First of all, let me point out that it says, ‘when your enemy falls’, not if (2 Pe 3:9-10; Pr 29:6).  But in these verses what’s suggested is that God will give you the punishment reserved for the sinner if you rejoice in his punishment, as he did with Edom (see Ps 137:7; Eze 35:15).  Those of us who know better are held to a higher standard.

3.    God is omniscient.  He already knows about your enemy and all that he’s doing and saying, whether it’s to your face or behind your back (Ps 147:5; Job 28:24; Heb 4:13).  For those of us who trust in God, in the shelter of his presence he hides us from the intrigues of men; in his dwelling he keeps us safe form accusing tongues (Ps 31:20).  But he wants to hear from us too.  He wants us to share all of our thoughts about what we’re dealing with, the good, the bad, and the ugly (Ps 8:3; 62:8).  He’s God.  He can take it!

4.    Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5:11-12; Lk 6:22-23).  Things are almost never as they appear to be.  Although it may look like a follower of Christ is cursed, they are indeed blessed.  And it’s not because I say so, but Jesus Christ himself says so!  Notice that it’s the Jesus in a person that guarantees this blessing (see post titled “In Jesus’ Name”).  See to it that when you’re treated poorly that it’s because of Jesus, not because of any wrongdoing on your part. 

…God doesn’t promise any blessing for that.

   

...Will You Not Be Accepted?

God does not show partiality or favoritism, but accepts anyone who chooses to show reverence for him and simply do what’s right (Acts 10:34-35; Ro 2:11).  He rewards those who believe in him, and earnestly seek him (Heb 11:6).  He honor’s those who honor him (1 Sam 2:30).  So, why is it that many people find themselves –like Cain- angry and downcast when the Lord looks with favor upon the Abels of the world (Ge 4:4-5)?

I believe they’ve chosen to accept Satan’s lie that it’s them who haven’t been accepted, as opposed to their paltry or lacking service, gift, or worship (While Abel brought God some his first and best, Cain merely brought some.  In other words, Abel brought tithes and offering, while Cain brought pocket change.  Cain showed his disdain for God in the way that he gave.)  And since they believe that lie, they consequently believe the lie that their brother is their competition for God’s love.  And degrading, insulting, or even eliminating their ‘competition’ is their only chance at being accepted by God.  And unfortunately, we see this played out in the lives of modern day Cain and Abels every day.  Insert your example here. 

No one’s perfect, but if you’re putting forth an earnest effort to please God, instead of man, by living according to his word, you will have people insult, persecute and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Jesus (Gal 1:10; Jn 12:43; Mt 5:11).  Daniel went through it, as well as the Three Hebrew Boys (Dan 3 and 6).  And David often prayed to God to deal with the folks who were after him unjustly (Ps 40:14; 63:9; 69:4).

We’re to rejoice and be glad when we’re persecuted because of righteousness because we’re blessed, and are rewarded for our faith in heaven, and on earth (Mt 5:3-12; 10:22).  When we follow God’s word, in faith, we have the opportunity to undergo trials with comfort and protection, and come out of them approved, unscathed, promoted, and prosperous (Dan 3:24-30; 6:16-28; 2 Tim 2:15).  We all suffer -in one way or another- but surely it’s better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Pe 3:17). 

    

 

How to Get Promoted

I believe the attitude we have toward work determines our productivity, happiness, and whether or not we’ll be promoted.  A woman at my job once groaned, asking me something to the effect of, ‘Do I have to be here?’ when arriving to work one morning, and my answer was, ‘No, there are plenty of people just hoping you decide not to show up for work today.’  Judging by her response, I suppose she was disappointed I didn’t accept the invitation to her complaint session, but I didn’t want any of ‘that’ (negativity) on me.  I was trying to maintain a positive attitude toward work myself.

Whatever our jobs are, we’re to work at it with all of our hearts, as working for the Lord, not men (Col 3:23).  I often consider myself as being employed by God, as opposed to whoever might be signing my check (which isn’t to say I don’t respect them, but I know who my source is).  We’re encouraged to work diligently, coming from the Latin word dlilgere, which means to prize, love, esteem highly (1 Ti 4:15; Heb 6:11; 2 Th 3:6-15).  So in other words, our work is to be done in love, with a desire to please God being our focus.  Our attitudes toward all of our work then (whether it is considered “the Lord’s work”, in a traditional sense, or not) has spiritual implications, and can result in certain rewards (Pr 10:4; 12:24; 13:4; 21:5).

Obvious benefits to working diligently are new opportunities, or promotions.  There are so many people in the Bible who were recognized while working.  Moses was tending his father-in-law’s flock when the Lord called him from a burning bush and commissioned him for a great work (Ex 3).  Ruth was provided with protection and greater profit because of her work (Ruth 2; see also God’s intended purpose for Eve in Ge 2:18, and the description of ‘The Wife of Noble Character’ in Pr 31:10-31).  By the Lord’s direction, Jesse’s youngest boy David had to be pulled from tending the sheep in order to be anointed by Samuel, and would later be crowned king (1 Sam 16:6-13; 2 Sam 5:4; Ps 78:70).  And Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be his disciples as they were in the act of preparing and casting fishing nets (Mt 4:18-22). And so on.

But seek God’s kingdom and righteousness first, and the things will come later (Mt 6:33).  He must receive his honor first, because it’s the Lord who raises the poor and seats them with princes (Ps 113:7-8; Dan 3:30), who lifts up those who humble themselves before him (Jas 4:10), who honors those who honor him (1 Sam 2:30), who not only gives wealth and possessions, but enables a person to enjoy them, and accept their lot, and be happy with their work (Ecc 5:18-20), and it’s God who enables us to earn the respect of one who works with what they have (1 Th 4:11-12).  There’s dignity in finding work.

Killing With Kindness

The other night on my job, I was told by someone, ‘I haven’t had the nicest thoughts about you lately.  I don’t know if you recognized it, or not.  It had nothing to do with you, and everything to do with me.  And I realized God wouldn’t bless me, as long as I had ill will towards you (Matt. 5:23-24). I want to apologize.’ And he shook my hand.

Whether it was sincere or not, I don’t know, and that’s not my business.  But I do know it takes courage to admit to another person that you were wrong (It seems to be easier, when we’re just confessing to God, right?).  It was the right thing to do.  It was the mature thing to do. 

Now, I did notice a general sense of negativity oozing from him, but I chose to act as though I didn’t notice (1 Co. 4:12).  My goal in dealing with this person (and others like him) was to remain consistent in the way I treat him, which was, and is, civil -at the least.  We are instructed to heap burning coals on the heads of people who wrong us by returning good for evil (Prov. 25:21-22; Rom. 12:14).  My actions were more of a testimony than any word I could’ve spoken.  I showed Who I belonged to, and I just want to thank God for using me.  Only through Christ did I have the ability not to act in the flesh when I was tempted (Php. 4:13).  Had I acted in ‘my own power’, I wouldn’t have been an effective example of God’s goodness and mercy.  And if simply obeying God’s word in love isn’t enough incentive for you, God does tell us that he’ll reward us for this (Prov. 25:22).