Leadership is a Way of Life...

"Leadership in any organization - whether in the local church or in some other Christian activity - is never just a job. It is always a way of life, demanding from those who would be leaders a 24-hour-a-day commitment. The leader, in a sense, must always be on the job, deciding, directing and developing the work that has been entrusted to him while at the same time encouraging those in the work. A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way." (John Maxwell.)
 

If you are like me, I didn't necessarily sign up for leadership. Oh, I wanted recognition. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted my life to influence and encourage... But, honestly, I never comprehended how much leadership would require my constant surrender. 

What I'm learning is that godly leadership requires more than achievements or accomplishments...it's more than a title or position...it's a life-style of humility and a call to serve. It demands consistent, unyielding, dedication, discipline, and Christ-like surrender.

Friends, as leaders in our homes, relationships, businesses, ministries, churches and communities, God desires our devotion. He desires humility not self-acclaimed position.

This type of leadership often feels overwhelming and exhausting. This type of leadership often feels lonely. This type of leaders can cause us to want to crumble and gladly give the opportunity to lead to someone else. 

Isn't it strange how the burden of leadership diminishes our desire for the position? Isn't it ironic how the opportunity to lead exposes the weight of our decisions which cultivates a desire to pass our title (along with all our responsibilities) to another?

Friend, don't give up. It's in these moments that God whispers...NOW you're ready! And though we argue, Really, God? Now, I'm ready? Though we may whisper back to Him, I don't feel ready. I feel like giving up. Though we may offer Him excuses like...The task is too big. I'm too small. I can't...I don't know how to...

He lovingly responds...You can't...but I can. You lack...but I don't. What's impossible for you is possible with Me.

OK...I took all that time to come to this point:

Sometimes the task before us seems too big. Sometimes we feel ill-equipped. Sometimes we don't feel like we have the strength to make it through the day, let alone try to lead others...But we are not alone.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 instructs us: 

• "Be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you." Abraham believed God and God fulfilled his plan. Moses led Israel by God's command and God parted the Red Sea. We can't go wrong when we follow God in steps of obedience. From the blind man washing the mud from his eyes, the prostitute "sinning no more", or a band of fishermen following God's invitation...GREAT THINGS happen when God's children simply obey.  What's God calling you to do...In your marriage? In your ministry? In your parenting? In your school? In your...? Be careful and do all HE has commanded.
• "Do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you" I love this part of Deuteronomy. It reminds us that God will lead. He will instruct. He will guide and provide direction. Our job is to simply follow. Yes! The job is too big! Yes it will seem impossible...BUT GOD has not called us to figure it out or do it on our own...and...When we do not turn aside...when we walk in the way God commands...He does the amazing. Look at his promise in Deuteronomy...
• "so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." God promises that we will possess the land. We will inherit the promise. We will pass the test. When we serve and give sacrificially, when we love and resist retaliation, when we faithfully give all that we are for Him...HE WILL FULFILL HIS PROMISE!

Friend, I know godly leadership can feel lonely. I know at times it seems as if you are the only one serving or following Christ...BUT...DON'T GIVE UP! 

Galatians 6:9-10 reminds and encourages us to "not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (NIV) 

God has great plans for you. Your life counts. You have unlimited potential!

PRAYER: 

Father, may Your love consume us, fill us, and empower us to live in such a way that we honor you with our every breath!