1 Peter 5:6-9
You and I, we’ve seen great leaders. These are the ones who inspire rather than boss, who help those around them become better, dream bigger, do greater things. They light fires in people. And we’ve also seen terrible leaders. These are the ones who get drunk on their power and position. They push people into doing things, they ridicule and bully, or they make it all about themselves. We lose respect for them quickly and our inner rebellion kicks in.
Then there are the kind of leaders who aren’t really leaders at all. These are the leaders who get run over, pushed around, whose words go unheeded. They may have a beautiful lesson, great ideas, or a wonderful plan, but these never get implemented because their leadership style is ineffective.
Being a godly leader doesn’t mean we become a door mat. Sometimes I believe we confuse being a humble leader with being indulgent and making concessions. It’s as if we assume that exercising humility as a leader will actually lessen our leadership and disqualify our message.
We are not weak because we pursue godly leadership.
And it is good that we are not. We must be on our guard, watching out, because we have an enemy who would seek to devour us and stifle our influence. We learn to practice leadership that is both strong and humble, both vigilant and compassionate, both truthful and loving.
So we must stay sober-minded, focused and purposeful. We fight to resist the enemy’s deceptions and his efforts to quiet us. We stand firm in our faith by the strength and power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.
And when we pursue this kind of leadership, we act in accordance with the Chief Shepherd. Our leadership style emulates our Lord Jesus, who is the perfect leader. Walking closely with him, we pursue his example. We seek his gentleness, commitment, care and concern, grace, service, sacrifice and love and then we give them to those we lead. And we do this with strength, clarity of purpose, passion, unwavering truth, and dignity, just as he does.
This Christlike leadership is the kind he notices and appreciates, even rewards with the unfading crown of glory. As leaders in our homes, in ministry, in the workplace, we are called to a high standard with weighty responsibility.
I want to lead people the way Jesus leads people. Because truthfully and maybe selfishly, I want to be more like him. I also want my leadership to constantly be pointing to him. I want him to be my north star in all things – my life, my leadership, my words, my actions, my attitudes. I want all of it to be pointing to him, centered on him, glorifying him.
I’m certainly not perfect in this. But what I want to do is to grow in this direction. And I believe that the God who exalts the humble, who gives us his own Spirit to guide us, who gives grace immeasurable – I believe that God will help me to grow in his ways. I believe his desire is for me and not against me.
And he will do the same for you, beloved. He is for you and not against you. Your leadership matters to him. Your leadership is what brings the message of Christ to the hungry, hurting and broken world around us. Your leadership spreads his message and his glory far and wide.
Let’s lead like he does. Let’s choose humility and find our strength in him.
I’m cheering for you – you godly leader in-the-making.
Lord, we ask you to use us. Wherever you have placed us to lead, use us up here. We want to be leaders who champion you, who make your name great. Mold us to become like Christ’s humble and compassionate leadership, strong because you are strong. Steel our backs for the fight against our enemy. Drive our feet deep into faith, that we may stand firm for you, Lord. Make us women of valor who usher people straight to you, the God of all grace. Amen.
