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.)

Reputation

reputation – 1a:  overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general 2:  a place in public esteem or regard:  good name

Notice how definition 1a is based on character, but the second doesn’t necessitate a basis of character.  (Definition 1b, I did not include because it refers to some characteristic or ability, which biblical scripture doesn’t site in regard to an individual’s reputation.)

David declared that he’ll praise God forever for what He’s done; in His name he’ll hope, for His name is good.  David vowed to praise God in the presence of the saints. (Ps 52:9)  He clearly views God in a favorable way, as many of us do.  But if at any point things didn’t go as well as David thought they should, and he failed to appropriately judge God’s character or recognize His overall quality, would that mean that God ceases to have that character or those qualities?  Can David’s attitude, or our attitude, towards God -or anyone else- put their reputation in jeopardy?

The author of Ecclesiastes puts the previous book of Proverb’s wisdom to work to examine the human experience.  Or another way to put it is, the wise sayings of Proverbs is what we should conform to our thoughts.  But Ecclesiastes is, kind of, what happens when worldly society gets a hold of godly wisdom.  Proverbs 3:3-4 tells us that if we make love and faithfulness a part of who we are -our character- we’ll win favor and a good name in the sight of God and (then) man.  But in Ecclesiastes 10:1, the fragility of reputation (or good name) is illustrated by the comparison between dead flies ruining a perfume or ointment, and a few mistakes ruining an individual’s reputation of wisdom and honor.  Unless we view the two scriptures as contradictory, let me point out that the sayings of wisdom in scripture are often general statements.  So, generally speaking, if we live as the Lord tells us to, we’ll have a good reputation.  But in the hands of easily persuaded men, our reputations may not stand.  God will always judge or assess our character fairly, but we cannot count on man. 

God’s word stands.  Yes, a good name is more desirable than great riches, and to be esteemed is better than silver or gold (Pr 22:1).  But know that men are fickle and your good name among them is in constant jeopardy.  Although successfully serving the Lord is dependent on how we interact with others, I don’t believe that God desires us to be slave of the often unstable attitudes and faulty discernment of man, who often doesn’t allow God’s word to shape their perceptions.  We’re to store our riches in heaven, which is where we should also really care if we have a good name (Mt 6:20-21).    

Again, according to the first definition, reputation is determined by overall character.  So, to accurately determine reputation, people -in general- should be good judges of character.  It’s always best to take a person as they are, and reserve any assessment of people for personal experience.  But a discerning person will occasionally allow a trusted individual to vouch for the character, and speak of the reputation of another.  We don’t trust everyone’s opinion.  

But I believe that God is more concerned about what is, rather than how things appear, and the first definition of reputation basically depends on who a person is, as determined by reasonable people.  I think it’s that definition that best describes God’s viewpoint of our reputation.  We know that He’s just.  And that’s why I assert that reputation isn’t what’s merely said or believed about a person, but what’s known about them.  That’s Proverbial, heavenly perspective, and wisdom, as opposed to the Ecclesiastical, worldly view of wisdom.

Do we have an appropriate relationship with our reputations?  Many have chosen to believe the lie that says, liability is a measure of success.  But based on that belief, Jesus would be considered unsuccessful.  The Bible tells us that a student isn’t above his teacher.  So, if Jesus had his haters, what makes us think we can be hater free?  (Lk 6:40).  It should come as no surprise.  Jesus already forewarns us that if we follow him, WE WILL BE PERSECUTED (2 Ti3:12-14).  Withstanding persecution and still persevering proves a believer’s fitness for the kingdom.  When we’re faced with the temptation to yield under persecution, we should still be found standing with the Lord (Mt 10:32-33). 

An inappropriate relationship with reputation is rooted in pride.  It’ll lead an individual to place public approval over God’s. Saving face will take precedence over sincerity.  The lie of pride that may lead to an extreme concern with reputation will convince a person that, it only matters how things look, not how they are.  Keep putting up that front.  The only person you have to answer to is you.  But don’t believe those lies!  The Bible encourages you not to be afraid of man who can only (harm your reputation by scandalizing your name, presenting you in a negative light, rallying people against you, threatening you with isolation, pointlessly disagreeing with you, and even) kill you, but rather revere the Lord who can do so much worse to you, but desires to do so much better for you (Mt 10:28; Jas 1:17).  Man’s range of power is limited, but God’s is unlimited!  

Because Jesus understood this, he successfully carried out the mission his Father gave him.  Understand that God’s reputation among men was not so much of importance to Him that he couldn’t even set aside His glory and submit to the humiliation of becoming a man (Php 2:5-7).  (Although He maintained His deity, He set aside its prerogatives.)   And surely, the favor of Pharisees and high priests was alluring to Jesus (Heb 4:15).  He was, no doubt, hurt by the rejection of his own people (Jn 1:11; Ps 118:22).  But glory be to God!  He was faithful enough to carry out his high calling!  Jesus’ sight was heavenward.  But imagine if yielded to the temptation to give in and win the favor of man over doing what he knew to be right? 

You may say, of course he could do this with no problem.  He’s God; I’m only human.  But God wouldn’t command us to be Christ-like if it weren’t possible.  Look at all of the people in the Bible who man hated or despised, but was approved by God: Abel, Joseph, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (bka Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego), Daniel, Lazarus, Stephen, etc. (Ge 4:1-7; 37:1-11; Dan 3; 6; Lk 16:19-31; Ac 7:54-60).    Paul imitated Christ’s example and humbly gave up the good esteem of fellow Jews to embrace him.  He was a Hebrew of Hebrews:  circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Pharisee, (former) persecutor of the church, and righteously faultless (Php 3:4-6).  But I love how he basically says, ‘Forget all of that!’  Compared to knowing Jesus Christ, my reputation among you all is garbage (v.7-8).  Forget about my rep.  I’m choosing Jesus over a “good name” in your eyes.  I know this earthly life is temporal.   I’m making the decision to have a heavenly view!          

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                          

Pride Police

The Bible tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we should (Ro 12:3).  What it doesn’t say is, make sure others don’t think more highly of themselves than they should.  God has the humbling department all sewed up.  He doesn’t need you there. Besides, we have more than enough work to do on ourselves.  There’s no need to pile any more onto our workloads.  Our opinions of self -and certainly of others- are to be taken with sober judgment.  They’re to be moderate, not leaning towards extremes. 

The problem with being a pride policeman is the risk of falling into hypocrisy.  One might argue that the preoccupation with checking on another’s pride is a prideful stance itself.  You can find fault without being a fault finder, but a fault finder always finds fault.  One can’t properly discern what’s prideful in another if they are prideful themselves (Mt 7:5).  As long as we’re human, and Jesus has yet to make his second advent, we’ll remain imperfect. 

A person, however, who fearlessly recognizes, addresses, and makes a sincere effort toward correcting their own short comings (as opposed to projecting them on others) is fit to appropriately asses sinful behavior, such as pride (1Co 11:31; 2Tim 3:16).  We’re obligated to correct, in love, not fault find (Lev 19:17; Eph 4:15).  Loving correction, according to God’s word is sometimes necessary.  We may need to accept the wise counsel of someone being led by the Spirit to correct, rebuke, or teach us what is right (Pr 11:14; 15:22; 27:6; Jas 1:5; 1Co 11:31).  And our response to biblical correction will show whether we’re truly caught up in pride or not (Pr 12:15).

Whether intentional or not, perception of others is always effected by perception of self (Ge 4:1-12).  What is often mislabeled as pride is not pride at all.  It’s often the result of a person thinking lowlier of themselves (their abilities, accomplishments, gifts, physical characteristics, etc.) than they ought to, that makes rich soil for planting seeds of jealousy and resentment of others.  Distorted perception of self will cause one to misjudge another’s motives or intent.  It will lead them to call a person who is striving for perfection, someone who thinks they’re perfect.  It’ll lead them to search for another’s wrongs, instead of appreciating what’s right.  It’ll hinder them, and prevent them to serve God freely as they’ve been called to do (2Co 3:17).   

It’s not unusual for children of Cain to throw their own insecurity on others; especially others who are apparently enjoying the benefits they don’t believe they can have for themselves (or even someone they love).  To fittingly bind this evil, divisive spirit, we must identify it, and call it by its name:  jealously (jealous- adj. 2. Hostile toward a rival or one believed to enjoy an advantage [m-w.com]).  Don’t buy into the Tempter’s lie of jealousy!  God is not a respecter of person.  What He’ll do for another, He’ll surely do for you (Ro 2:11; Mt 25:14-30; 1Co 3:3; 2Co 12:20; Gal 5:20).  If we are to live lives pleasing to the Lord, these seeds of envy and jealousy must be uprooted before we become murderous descendants of Cain, whether in thought, speech or deed.     

He's Faithful

God has provided.

God is providing.

God will provide

(Ge 22:8; Jer 29:11; Php4:19)

Unbound and Unharmed

Here's a thought. I'm sitting at work, and a question comes to mind. What is worst feeling? My answer? Hopelessness. A following question. What is the best? Answer? The unfathomable, uncontainable feeling of being loved by God. Now, the revelation that smacked me across the face. Everything is not alright with my life, but when that feeling comes across me -as it occasionally does- IT DOES NOT MATTER. Because the Lord is with me, I can walk around in my fiery furnace unbound and unharmed! (Dan 3) (Oh yeah! The best thing about God's love for us? It's unconditional and present whether we 'feel' it or not.) via iPhone

Favor Is Fair!

            The saying ‘favor isn’t fair’, irritates me so much. 

In regards to favor from God, to say so is to imply that God isn’t fair or just.  And surely we know better.  What the statement references is grace specifically, which is defined as unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification (m-w.com).  But the thing about ‘favor ain’t fair’ is that it could mislead those who don’t know better. 

fair - adj. 6.a. marked by impartiality and honesty;  free from self-interest, prejudice or favoritism <a very fair person to do business with>; just; unbiased

favor - n. 1.a. friendly regard shown toward another, especially by a superior

favoritism - n. 1. The showing of special favor; partiality     (m-w.com)

Peter said in Acts 10:34-35, ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.’  And if we are to be godly, we aren’t to show favoritism either (Jas 2:1,8-9,13; Ex 23:3; Job 34:16-19; Ro 2:11; Col 3:25; 1Tim 5:21; 1Pe 1:17).  God doesn’t favor individuals because of their station in life, their nationality or their material possessions, or any other worldly, passing trait.  For God -or us- to discriminate based on these factors would mean judging with ill intent, and goes against the law of love (Jas 2:4; Mt 22:37-40; 1Jn 4:8).  God used whoever he wanted to spread his message and show himself to be a respecter of no particular person:  youth, women, blind, sick, thieves, prostitutes, the dead, etc. (1Sam 17:42-51; Jn 4:1-42; Jn 9; Mk 1:40-45; Lk 23:32-43; Jos 2; Jn 11:38-44).  God does, however, respect character and judge work (NIV study Bible note on Ac 10:34)(Isa 64:5; Eph 2:8-9; Ro 10:9). 

As far as I know, favor from God is dependent on two criteria: 

Based on scripture, favor is shown to those who have met a certain requirement.  God responds to what we do, not who we are (1Sa 2:30).  And based on experience and observation, the previously mentioned grace may also be granted based on what a person is to become, regardless to what they currently are. (Pr 3:34; Isa 26:10.) 

Ez 33:12-16 warns the righteous not to rely on their righteousness and encourages the wicked to become righteous; this Old Testament text does not refer to redemption through Christ, but does affirm that one who turns from their evil ways can live, just as the Word states that (unrepented) sin results in death (Ro 6:23; 10:9) 

How God balances grace, mercy, blessings, and judgment in the right measure at the right time is something man cannot even fathom, because He operates in the divine wisdom of a being that has all knowledge.  His knowledge isn’t limited by perspective because He’s infinite and omniscient (1Ki 8:22-27; Heb 4:13).  He always has been, and always will be everywhere at all times.  He isn’t hindered by corruption because he’s absolutely just, holy, and right, and has need of nothing (Dt 10:17). 

Out of all of our confusion, we should understand that whatever God says, is.  He said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was (Ge 1:3).  He says, ‘Let Mr. Jones be blessed’, and although I don’t deserve it, I am!  My worthiness ceases to be an issue once God has made His decision.  (One might argue that a person’s ‘blessings’ serve as validation.  But we cannot be deceived by what may appear to be a blessing though.  It would be wise to discern whether a person has been blessed by God for doing things His way or has succeeded in their own way [Ps 37:7].)          

Lawful Judgement

On the subject of judgment, I’m sure you’ve heard -like I’ve heard- Matthew 7:1 quoted countless times (“Judge not, that ye be not judged”), often a misuse of the Word out of a fear of conviction (Jn 3:20).  Personally, I’ve always despised the ‘everything’s alright’ attitude, and viewed the lack of accountability associated with it as cowardly.  Of course, the hypocrisy in scolding someone for what is viewed as judgment is that the person scolding is an act of judgment. Also, forming a positive opinion -if misappropriated- is just as judgmental as forming a negative opinion (Isa 5:20-21).  It can be just as damaging.  Surely, hypocritical, perverse judgment and acting in fear is contrary to everything the Bible teaches us. 

The Bible tells us, in fact, that this God-breathed word is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Ti 3:16; Lk 6:45).  Let’s be clear:  Speaking God’s word, in a spirit of love, with the purpose of teaching rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness is not judgment on the part of the one speaking.  If there be any judgment made after the Word is spoken, then it’s by the Word, not the person speajking the Word.  The individual chooses to make biblical scripture either a cornerstone or stumbling block (1 Pe 2:7-8).    

Understanding leads to discernment, which is a form of judgment. 

understand - (trans. v.) 1.a. to grasp the meaning of  b. to be thoroughly familiar with the character and the propensities of  2. to accept as a fact or truth or to regard as plausible without utter certainty

discern - (v.) to separate, distinguish between  (trans. v.) 2. to recognize or identify as separate and distinct; discriminate <discern right from wrong> :  to see or understand the difference

judge – (trans. v.) 1. to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing premises  2. to sit in judgment on; try  4. govern, rule – used of a Hebrew tribal leader  5. to form an estimate or evaluation of; especially to form a negative opinion about  8. to hold as an opinion

We see in scripture that God wants us to have understanding and discernment (1Jn 4:1).  God places the importance of godly wisdom and understanding so high that we’re to obtain it, even if it costs us everything! (Pr 4:7; 3:5-6; 2:6)  Solomon was commended and rewarded for asking for a discerning heart for the purpose of leading God’s people correctly (1Ki 3:9-15; Kings, leaders, and judges are synonymous.  In this context of leadership -which all Christians are, in one way or another- the first, second, and fourth definitions of the word ‘judge’ apply.)  The entire book of Proverbs is basically God’s plea to the individual to gain knowledge, understanding, discernment, wisdom, and good judgment (Pr 1:5; 8:9; 10:13; 14:6).  It’s for us to understand what’s right, just and fair (Pr 2:9; Ro 12:2).  Without it, there is no sanctification for the believer, hope for the sinner, or glorification to our Master.  Without this understanding how can we be good stewards over the things God has entrusted to us:  jobs, children, money, and our very lives?  Jesus even gives us one basis for excommunication in Matthew 18:15-20, which is , no doubt, be an act of judgement.  How can we be the light to a dying world if we don’t distinguish right from wrong as scripture itself does? 

So, what does it mean when Jesus tells us not to judge? Verse 1 in Matthew chapter seven is the first in a lesson by Jesus on judgment that numbers to verse 6.  Unfortunately though, verse 1 is often used out of context, so the meaning is lost.  He goes on to explain that one can’t judge properly, wisely, or fairly if they are judging hypocritically.  You know?  Get right, so you can see right.  True indeed, no one's perfect, but a repentant, spiritually mature individual who has a heart to do things God’s way (according to the Word) is equipped to make sound judgment.     

(Suggested reading:  ‘Is It Right to Judge?’ by:  James L. Melton at www.biblebelievers.com/jmelton/Judging.html)