God’s Leadership Workshop

By Dianne D. McDonnell

Christian leaders have an awesome responsibility to lead in a way that is pleasing to God. To do this we must base our leadership traits on Biblical concepts and not on manmade values. All leadership scriptures quoted below are from the New American Standard Updated Bible.

Loving Each Other

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)

These words of Jesus set the standard by which we must measure our leadership and ourselves. They set a very high mark to strive for. First of all we must CARE about the ones that we serve whether we teach four little preschoolers or pastor to five thousand people. If we have gotten to the point that love is just not present in our actions, then we need to return to the source of all love-our God and Jesus Christ and refuel in prayer before we go on.

Love for the World

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." (John 3:16-17)

If we would be like God then we must daily request of Him love for a world that usually isn't lovable. We must ask for kindness for those who are not always kind to us for this is the example that we have been given. And we must continually be aware that God has good intentions for the people of this world, for saving us from our present distress, and for us to live eternally! Those are His plans and His desires for all humanity!

Compassionate Leadership

"Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd." (Matt 9:36)

Jesus felt genuine compassion from a deeply caring heart. Our modern world often deadens the compassion that we need to feel and makes us callous to the disheartened condition of others. Realize that often we will not have answers-but we should always comfort with a compassionate heart.

Compassion Coupled with Action

"When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick." (Matt 14:14)

Not only did Jesus feel compassion, he added ACTION to his depth of feeling. Perhaps we cannot heal all the hurting people who come to us for healing, but we can do whatever kind action is possible for us.

Our Hearts

"So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12)

How amazing to have been CHOSEN of God to lead whatever group, large or small, that looks to you for leadership! You know in yourself your own weakness for the task at hand, and your own inability of and by yourself to lead in a Godly way. Take this humility and realize there is great strength in trusting in God's strength and not in our own and to be continually tapping into His gentleness and patience.

Leaders who Endure

"We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful." (James 5:11)

Remember God's compassion and mercy towards us as we endure in serving those that God has called us to serve. God does not give up on us or turn His back on us, and He will be faithful to abundantly reward our service to Him if we endure!

Leaders who are Rewarded

"Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor." (1 Cor 3:8)

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." (Col 3:23-24)

"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done." (Rev 22:12)

If we are able to keep detailed records with computers then how much better our Savior is able to record and remember each hour of work and each day of effort in His cause! The One who creates the sunsets and designed the peacock will not be at a loss as to how to generously thank you for your efforts in serving Him! Eternal Life is just the beginning of your great reward-it spreads out without end ahead of you!

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