Not everyone is cut out for leadership, but those who are face awesome responsibilities. God gives different gifts to different people, and He places all who trust in Him where they are best suited according to those gifts. Individuals who have received grace to lead each have their own separate and unique way of displaying their leadership talents, but above all, they need a servant’s mindset.
Jesus perfectly embodied this mindset; He taught His disciples to lead without exercising authority and dominion over others. Christian leadership is not about domination or control, but about being like Jesus and serving others. To those who much has been given, much is required. If we find ourselves in a leadership position, we must remember that we’re simply stewards, and God expects us to be faithful and wise in this role.
Gideon was a good example of a biblical leader. He looked to God, not himself or even his son, as the one to provide leadership. True leaders are content to stay where God has placed them, and they don’t feel the need to threaten others or compete with them to “win” a spot. Unlike his rival, Gideon stayed out of self-centeredness and refused to promote himself over others.
Good leaders also never have a problem submitting to those in authority over them. During His ministry, Jesus always submitted to His heavenly Father and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. As leaders, we’re taught to submit to those who have the rule over us and watch over our souls.
Threatening leadership that uses fear to control others is the exact opposite of grace-based leadership. Leaders who are secure in themselves can persuade others to join them, not simply follow them. They put others first and aren’t swayed by selfish interests. We maximize the impact we can make on others’ lives when we keep this in mind.
Prayer:
God, Your Word gives us specific examples of how to lead others in love. Leadership is not about going first or being on top, but about sacrifice and humble service. We have the perfect example of leadership in Your Son, and we thank You for that. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures:
- Romans 12:6
- Matthew 20:25-28
- Luke 12:42, 48
- Judges 8:22, 23
- Judges 9:8-15
- Hebrews 13:17