I wonder is the call for leadership just to scary for some or is it that many are not willing to put in the hard work necessary to fulfill what God has placed inside of them? Is it that we like position, power, and authority but not the responsibility that comes along with the territory?
I am sure that the answer is different for each one of us. But one thing that I do know is that we are desperately in search of Leaders who will pay the price to walk out the call God has for their own personal life...but that's just it, its not our own "personal life!" Our lives ultimately affect the purpose for our churches, our state, and our nation. Without leaders we perish! Without godly leaders in place throughout society we lack the voice of influence to lead for the next generation.
If the world is to hear the church's voice today, leaders are needed who are authoritative, spiritual, and sacrificial. Authoritative, because people desire reliable leaders who know where they are going. Spiritual, because without a strong relationship with God, even the most attractive and competent person cannot lead people to God. Sacrificial, because this trait follows the model of Jesus, who gave Himself for the whole world and calls us to follow His steps.
Samuel Brengle, a leader who served many years in the Salvation Army, outlined the road to spiritual authority and leadership:
It is not won by promotion, but my many prayers and tears. It is attained by confession of sin, and much heart-searching and humbling before God; by self-surrender, a courageous sacrifice of every idol, a bold uncomplaining embrace of the cross, and by eternally looking unto Jesus crucified. It is not gained by seeking great things for ourselves, but like Paul, by counting those things that are gain to us as loss for Christ. This is a great price, but it must be paid by the leader whose power is recognized and felt in heaven, on earth, and in hell.
God desires to show such people how strong He really is. Psalm 25:14 says, "The Lord confides in those who fear Him; he makes his covenant known to them."
Lets be a people who are willing to pay the price to walk out the God plan for our lives. Lets do the work necessary to be the leader/leaders God has made us to be.
Reflection:
- God took 80 years to prepare Moses for his leadership task. In what ways has God been preparing you?
- What can you begin to do today to walk in the leadership position that God has given you?
The title of “leader” implies that a person has a group of specific people to instruct, guide, oversee, or any other word that describes the duty of a leader. Leaders have a huge responsibility which is often measured by what someone else does, and not necessarily by the actions of the leader himself or herself. I was once told that this is a lame excuse for not stepping up to the plate. However, I do believe that the measure of a leader is one of the reasons the world lack so many “great” leaders.
ReplyDeleteI believe a leader is someone who influences another. In this regard, everyone is being prepared in some way to lead because every decision we make always impact the lives of ourselves and at least one other person. As I am able to see past myself and my family, I am sure I can successfully walk in the leadership position “God” has called me to. I sometimes choose not to accept positions given by “man”. Man-made-leaders are subject to a different set of standards and the role can be taken from you. However when God has called you into something, He is the judge and no man can ever take away what God has called you into.
The Fruit of a great spiritual leader is people willing to step forward and walk with him, as him, for God.
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