Do you want to make a difference in your family, group of friends, at work, at the organization where you serve? If so, you must learn to lead well.
Do you consider yourself a leader? If not, think again. Leadership is influence and regardless of our job or family situation, we influence others in every interaction we have. We can either influence in a good or bad way and as Christ followers we have huge responsibilities.
Consider the most impactful interactions you had over the last week or so. Which of them left you feeling joyful and which left you feeling guilty, depressed or upset? Which ones effectively moved people to a greater good, a greater cause, toward the desired result? The difference typically comes down to whom we put first in our leadership; others (servant leadership) or ourselves.
Philippians 2 has some verses that guide us on how to lead with the best example coming from Jesus.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)
We can lead like Jesus:
When we realize our position of authority is not about us. When lead not by our title (at work, at home) or our social status, but by our actions.
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; (Philippians 2:6)
When we serve others. Making their job easier. Clearing the way. Taking on the jobs no one else wants to do but need to get done. Consider Jesus washing the feet of his disciples.
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:7)
By being humble. Thinking of ourselves less. Obeying the higher calling even if the best outcome means that we suffer for the greater good. No one has ever suffered more than Jesus did on the cross.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:8)
What might others say of your leadership in times of prosperity, in times of stress, in times of loss, or in times of confusion? Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you seek to influence today with eternity in mind.
Today’s reading: Philippians 2-3