We live in a world today that desperately needs credible leaders that have the character, capacity and competence to lead. We need leaders who can lead like Jesus in the home, community, church, workplace and institutions. What kind of leader would you like to follow and become? I believe that the greatest example of a leader is Jesus Christ. He exhibited the qualities that every Christian should emulate.
We live in a world today that desperately needs credible leaders that have the character, capacity and competence to lead. We need leaders who can lead like Jesus in the home, community, church, workplace and institutions.
What kind of leader would you like to follow and become? I believe that the greatest example of a leader is Jesus Christ. He exhibited the qualities that every Christian should emulate.
- He knew who He was. He was the Son of God, sent by God to save the world (Luke 19:10).
- He knew to whom He owes everything. He was to bring glory and honor to the Father (John 12:27).
- He exemplified what it meant to be a servant, fully surrendered to God’s will, and thus it reflected in everything that He did (Phil. 2:1-8).
In the same way, we need to know who and whose we are, the purpose for our existence and the manner by which we serve.
Whenever we see organizations and institutions that do well, we know they are often led by leaders who have the right heart and abilities to bring great results. This should especially be true in the life of every believer — knowing that they exist for the right purpose, with the promises of God’s word and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. However, nothing significant will ever happen in the life of a believer if they are not willing to take the initiative to do something that God has called them to do.
Many times what keeps believers from taking the first step of obedience is the lack of faith or courage to do God’s will. They are not sure if they have the willpower and ability to do it. Overcoming fear and replacing it with confidence or courage is one of the greatest needs for developing leaders in the church today.
You see, courage is not the absence of fear, but recognizing it is there and the willingness to do something about it. It is when you recognize that you don’t have the will, ability, experience and knowledge to do what you are being asked by God, that you turn to Him in humility and ask for His help. We can learn from some of the spiritual leaders whom God raised by seeing how they dealt with their fears and inadequacies.
«…courage is not the absence of fear, but recognizing it is there and the willingness to do something about it.»
Moses recognized he was not an eloquent speaker, yet found that God was able to use him to lead a nation out of slavery. David, with all the odds stacked against him as a youth with no battle experience, was able to face and slay Goliath the giant with God’s help. Peter denied Christ three times. He went from being a coward to proclaiming Christ boldly. Paul, a bold missionary and discipler, church planter and prolific writer, realized how difficult it was to preach, disciple and start churches that he had to turn to God for wisdom, protection and encouragement.
These examples show us that we are all weak and in need of God’s divine power and help.
Paul shared the following reasons why he was courageous and competent in doing the Lord’s work.
(Commences)
It is God who initiates the work in us.
“He who began a good work in you…” Philippians 1:6 (ASV)
(Continues)
It is God who develops the work in us.
“will perform it…” Philippians 1:6 (ASV)
(Completes)
It is God who guarantees the finished product of God’s work in us.
“until the day of Jesus Christ…” Philippians 1:6 (ASV)
(Cooperation)
It is God who gives us partners to encourage us.
“all of you share in God’s grace with me…” Philippians 1:7 (ASV)
(Confidence)
It is God who gives the power to do His will.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me…” Philippians 4:13 (ASV)
(Conviction)
It is God who even gives us the will to do His work.
“It is God who works in you to will and act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” Philippians 2:13 (ASV)
As you can see, it was not self-confidence but God-confidence, not self-powered but God-powered, not self-will but God’s will, that Paul and the spiritual leaders in the Bible discovered as the secret to becoming a great leader. It is the God factor that gives you the courage and competence to accomplish great things for God as a leader. So go and be a leader for His glory!
