Good day, Purposeful Hearts! As promised, today’s discussion revolves around Jesus not only acting as the true source of your leadership, but also as the one who sustains you in all your leadership endeavors. What a blessing to know that we are not alone when leadership can feel so heavy and isolating!
I’d like to start with a few key verses from Philippians to guide our thoughts for today. Look at how each of these verses points to Jesus as the source of Christian leadership:
1:11 “Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ . . .”
1:29 “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.”
2:13 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”
3:3 “For it is we . . . Who put no confidence in the flesh.”
After looking at these verses, is there any denying that the source of our spiritual lives and leadership is Christ? Absolutely not! But it’s important for us as leaders to always remember where our faith, our talents for leadership, and our leadership opportunities come from. What awesome empowerment is ours through Jesus!
He will also sustain us in our leadership efforts! I’m sure that, like me, many of you have hit roadblocks in your leadership roles, whether they involve difficult relationships, a lack of motivation or commitment, or limited participation. When we remain in Christ as our standard and source, look at the way He sustains us in these additional verses from Philippians:
1:5 “That he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
4:5-7 “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
Let’s put what we’ve learned into visual form . . . by looking at the cross! There we have a representation of Jesus as our standard, source, and sustainer of leadership. The cross depicts the amazing earthly ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection of our Lord. It also depicts the standard of leadership in the One who humbled Himself as our divine servant and sacrifice. Because of this great act of love, Christ imparts to us His grace as the source of any leadership work we might do to glorify Him. Finally, we remember that the Lord is near. God gives us our purpose and the strength to fulfill it . . . “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion!”
Now that we’ve firmly connected ourselves to the one who sets the standard, serves as the source, and sustains us in our leadership ministries, let’s dive into the unique, personal, and empowering process of knowing yourself and your leadership style. See you next week!
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