A word on being a Godly leader.

Ever feel like you can take on the world, then once you do you realize it’s not as rewarding as you imagined? Our society teaches us to be cut throat and rise to the top regardless of who you have to step on to get there. Then they portray this as  characteristics of a good leader. The Bible has other things to say about that. The Bible talks about God using foolish or uneducated people to lead things. He will take our experiences over our credentials any day. He is much more interested in spending time with us  than us being in charge of something and taking on too many tasks.

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

Acts 4:13 NIV

God also teaches us to be content with what we have. Sometimes in our striving to be the biggest, baddest, fastest and strongest we become discontent and unfulfilled. Instead He wants us to be reliant completely on Him, then our ability to lead comes from an over flow of our love and reliance on Him, rather than our own abilities.

“For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:32-33 NIV

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

We have a clear mapped out instruction in 1 Peter as to how we should lead what God has entrusted us with. This can be our family, our jobs, the children we teach in children’s ministry, the people we lead in ministry.  There is a time and place for everything, and if we take the time to know His word and follow His instruction He will give us a fulfilled life, not free of stress, or pain, but one that are certain and confident that we are serving others out of our love for Him and not out of any selfish gain which will return void.

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christʼs sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of Godʼs 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. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under Godʼs mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 5:1-11 NIV

Tara Gibson