During my time at both Norwegian Cruise Line, and the Walt Disney Company, we had training activities ranging from sales, communication, thoughtfulness, and leadership. Leadership trainings usually prepare you for taking up the position and what the position’s role is or was. That is not the leadership I am going to talk about today. Leadership is an action, a way of life, a behavior that leaders and lay people alike can and should do. Let’s look at the bible for some more insight.
The first characteristic of leadership is giving of one’s self. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26 KJV) Leadership is not just pointing people in the right direction, but sacrificing and taking them there yourself.
Another characteristic of leadership is following God’s directions. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.” (Exodus 17:5-6 KJV) Here we find Moses and the people of Israel in the dessert struggling for water. Moses did not question God, he did what was directed from the Lord, even if it would look foolish. But when a person follows God and leads others to do the same the results are heavenly. Go get you some water.
A third leadership characteristic is serving others. Leaders have to be willing to lay down their own selves and needs to serve the people around them. In politics a mayor, president, congressman and senator are still called public servants. In the Body of Christ, a leader is still called a servant. Let’s look at John 13 for a clue into true leadership from Jesus. Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. 1Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.” Another scripture highlights God’s view of leadership. Here in the book of Matthew we find Jesus defining leadership. “But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28 NLT) Jesus pressed the disciples to serve them so that he can truly demonstrate one of the greatest acts of true leadership.
Leadership is an activity that anyone can do. We have to trust ourselves and the ones around us to show true leadership. We must sacrifice and love unconditionally. That is the heart of a true leader.
Lead on GBFIC, family, and friends, let your love and leadership shine through!
Thank you for reading another Bishop’s Buzz. A buzz is not a buzz unless you share it!
God Bless,
Bishop Adam Blackstock
Leadership
December 15, 2021 • Exodus 17:5–6, Matthew 20:26–28, Matthew 16:24–26
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