Leadership

“The authority by which the Christian leader leads

is not power but love, not force but example,

not coercion but reasoned persuasion.

Leaders have power, but power is safe

only in the hands of those who

humble themselves to serve.”

– John Stott

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John Stott powerfully sums up the core of Christian leadership with the quote above. What is perhaps the most interesting thing to note about Godly leadership is that it is completely contradictory to what the world tells us about leadership and success.

This often means that we must relearn what it means to be a leader and allow God to shape and mold our view. It is easy to fall into the similar path that most people go down in order to become successful leaders, but when we stop and take a moment to allow the Lord to lead us, the reward is far greater!

 

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,

and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,

even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,

and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:26-28

 

The best example we have of a leader in the flesh was Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 20 it is astounding to think that Jesus, the son of God, came not to be served but in fact to serve. This is profound. It speaks volumes of the character of God and also the intention of leadership.

Jesus’ definition of being a leader was not for selfish gain.

In fact, His example of leadership placed value on the people He led.

If we allow God to change our view of leadership, it will begin to shift from something that is about us and our position as a leader, to how we can encourage and build up the people we are leading.

Instead of wanting power, we will desire to empower.

Instead of wanting control, we will delegate.

Instead of wanting to be in the spotlight, we will inspire people to use their gifts and talents, and recognize them for their hard work and achievements.

This was the way Jesus led.

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“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit,

but with humility of mind regard one another

as more important than yourselves…”

Philippians 2:3

 

It is so important that we step up as leaders in our generation. It is important that we raise our voices to bring awareness to the things in the world God has burdened our hearts for.

We can lead people to care about orphans and widows. We can be an example to people whose desire is to see the world changed. We can inspire hope in the hearts of the people that we encounter every day. This week, take a few moments to think about what you are passionate about. What has God placed on your heart? How can you be a leader in this area? How can you be an example of someone who is here to serve and not to be served? How can you redefine leadership to the world around you?

We know that each and every one of you was placed on the earth for such a time as this to lead our generation in a powerful way! We are championing you and we know you will grow to be an effective leader in this world!

 

[Photos by Danka & Peter and Ilya Mazurkevich]