What is a Leader? (9 of 9)

thLEFT643W

Conclusion

Trustworthy, Guiltless, Set Apart, Discerning, Humble, Consistent, Prosperous. These qualities are impossible to perfect on our own. Exhibiting them is proof of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in that leader. As a leader who seeks Christ-likeness we must realize that it is not our time to reign but our time to serve. It is not our goal to be right, it’s our goal to be sympathetic and unconditionally loving. It is our time to be set apart and rise as the world falls into turmoil and darkness. Look to the counsel of God and lead in a way that brings glory to Him and recognition to the source of your leadership. (Luke 12:48) Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

What is a Leader? (7 of 9)

thPXNLW44U

Consistent (Someone who can stand in front and take the most damage) – The true character of people is made clear in the difficult times. When people look to a leader they want one that doesn’t falter in the difficult times but rises to the occasion an takes his followers through the struggle. The hard times build trust. It’s easy to look good when the seas are calm but turbulence allows a true leader to be proven. Repeated resilience in turmoil is what separates leaders from the pack. The Christian believer follows a leader that will conquer all and has seen the storm before it ever existed. Our reliance on God makes us leaders of men. (Philippians 1:27-28) Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.

What is a Leader? (5 of 9)

thN3N21WAZ

Discerning of Counsel (Let God determine what is taken to heart) – Good leaders have become good at discerning wise counsel through experience. We must run counsel through a Godly filter so that we can find what that advice really looks like. Some of the best counsel may be spoken by the least likely person as God uses the people around us to guide us. The opposite can also be true. A person we thought would be the best counsel could give us ideas that we are not meant to work with. We must seek counsel and let scripture and God’s Spirit what finds its place in us. (1 Timothy 6:20) Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

 

What is a Leader? (4 of 9)

th82NQEVVN

Set Apart– Living a life led by God and fueled by His Spirit will make a person stand out. Being a reflection of God’s light in this dark world will cause people to notice the light. That may be in the form of either imitation of rejection, but that none of your concern. You are called to be set apart (holy) through sanctification by the Holy Spirit. Being different than this world insures you are working toward God. (Philippians 2:14-15) Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

 

What is a Leader (3 of 9)

thOL3AMGJU

Without Fault (Guiltless before God and man) – The thought of being faultless add undo pressure. It is impossible to be perfect. I fell what this speaks to is the quality of taking care of the wrongs with both God and man. With God we are asked to repent, with man we are called to reconciliation. We need to take credit for any shortcoming and admit where we need to improve. Seeking to improve is the first required step to succeeding in it. (2 Timothy 2:15) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. (Proverbs 28:13) Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy

 

What is a Leader? (2 of 9)

th7TDSKVB8

Trustworthy– It is difficult but necessary to speak the truth in love and to be honest when we may need forgiveness because we expose our own error. People follow leaders that they can trust. They accept guidance when they know they are cared for. People will come to you when they know that they can trust you. Your loving truth becomes a safe place for broken people. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

 

What is a Leader? (1 of 9)

thNR2944FB

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes us examples to a world that is lost in the chaos caused by sin. This in turn makes us leaders as our example guides people to reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. As leaders by example and not just words, we should strive to meet the standard God has for those who believe in salvation through Jesus. This extends into our home, workplace, and anywhere we have the opportunity to glorify God. (1 Peter 5:2-4) Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. We must be: (2)Trustworthy, (3)Guiltless, (4)Set Apart, (5)Discerning, (6)Humble, (7)Consistent, (8)Prosperous. 

Misunderstood Path

th5W83F0EU

                God has a plan for all who are obedient to His guidance. The plans and blessings God has prepared for those who are faithful to staying His course are far beyond our imagination. One of the most difficult aspects to walking in God’s light and taking Him by His right hand is that those who have hardened their hearts and choose to dwell outside of God’s light will never understand this walk. Being selfless, joyful, at peace, and confident make the lost question the sanity of a mind focused on the things that are eternal. God’s plan will not always be clear to those who stay in the shadow of earthly sin. Faith allows a believer to be steadfast in the provision of our God. We must accept the responsibility that comes with a knowledge of Jesus and the indwelling of the Spirit of God. God’s people must harness the power available in the Holy Spirit and become leaders of the lost, a guide toward the light of God and His path. We are only able to rightfully lead when we are rightfully lead by God. A real leader must see the goal before those who are meant to follow. Be a reflection of God’s light and a beacon in this dark world.

Be God’s Example

thIBC4AONU

An Example in Adversity

In the midst of hard times and adversity people tend to wonder why God would put them in such a difficult position. The truth is that we cannot know the mind of God. His ways are above our ways and His thoughts above our thoughts. I believe that adversity in its many forms (stress, finances, relationships, deaths, etc.) can be an opportunity for the light of Christ to shine forth from His faithful. We live in a world where everyone has something to say and those words hold less value as their number increases. As Christians we must live as an example to the lost so that they desire the peace and joy found in us. What better way to show them than when times are difficult? We can be examples of obedience, dependence, and faith when they would be inconsolable. The words of our mouths are weak in comparison to the example set forth in our life of obedience. Not only does God desire that we draw closer to Him but that the safety found in Him be a light to the dark world.