The world needs leaders. Good, godly, intelligent leaders. And so does the church.
Corrupted leaders, especially when they are nationally or internationally known, have brought suffering and shame upon the church. Yet there would not be a church today without some solid, authentic leaders.
Let’s not spend time on the failures. Let’s look forward to the possibility that each follower of Christ could become a good leader.
Not all leaders have the same responsibility. Even Moses in his day recognized there were leaders of 10, 50, 100, and 1000 people. Here’s an interesting thing: in God’s eyes, the leader of 10 people was just as important as the leader of 1000.
Today my perspective on this is that we can become competent leaders no matter what our sphere of influence is.
Let’s look at the life of King Saul, Israel’s first king, for an illustration of how he became a leader.
He was called by God, who clearly spoke to Samuel the prophet to select Saul as the first king. When Saul accepted Samuel’s anointing with oil, the Spirit of God came upon him. When we accept God’s call on our lives, whatever that may be, that surrender will bring the Spirit of God upon our lives for leadership.
Saul took advantage of every God-given opportunity. When the Amorites challenged Israel with humiliating requirements of submission, the men of “Jabesh Gilead” looked for a deliverer.
Saul saw their need. He took advantage of the opportunity and rose to the challenge. Opportunities will come to us as challenges that will test our resolve, our ability, and our faith.
Saul initiated action many times to defend and lead the nation. Leaders initiate. They don’t wait to be asked. That same Spirit of God that had come upon Saul when he was called, moved upon him again. God did not do it all. He anointed Saul and Saul initiated, organized, brought discipline, and carried out God’s plans for Israel.
Saul took the lead. He gathered the people together, led the way, and delivered Jabesh Gilead. He himself physically fought the Amorites even though he was the king. Leadership is often like a war. We must stand up to the “status quo” and do something positive even when others are discouraged. Saul was not a talker—he was a doer.
Saul accomplished what he set out to do as the leader of Israel. That is the most significant proof of leadership. Can we get something done? Whether we lead 10, 50, 100, or 1000, the same principle applies. Where did Saul learn how to do this? What courses did he take? He was a simple farmer before the kingdom came to him. Most of what Saul did was common sense. Most leadership is not fancy. It’s doing something practical and useful while bringing people with you—that’s it.
On a personal note, I am a Christian. I could have lived my life as a Christian, earned well in my career, been a blessing to a local church, grown old, and died and gone to heaven. Sounds pleasant! Isn’t that enough? Not for me, it isn’t. I chose to be a leader. I chose to influence as many people as possible for Christ. That’s what I keep doing.
Think about it, If we’re going to heaven, why not take as many people as possible with us? Why not be a leader to point to the way to Christ?
MEDITATE
We all need leaders—has God called you to become one? Are you hesitating to follow? Whatever your reasons may be—you can become a great leader, no matter what your sphere of influence is!
STUDY
Proverbs 11:4, Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Reading Plan: Exodus 21-27
PRAY
Heavenly Father, I choose to lead wherever I am, in whatever situation I am in right now. I pray that I will be able to point others to you. Give me the wisdom so I can reach out to people who need you.
LIVE
Be a leader! Build your influence in your community – get to know people, ask what they need, pray for them. Point as many people as possible to Christ.
#Leadership #Calling #Obedience
