Jesus Style Leadership 2 – Love & Heart

What’s Love Got to Do with It? 

Leadership Lesson

It’s difficult to lead like Jesus if you don’t appreciate how much God loves you. 

Read Ephesians 3:14–19.

Comment

Paul is praying from prison for the Ephesian Christians. One of his main prayer points is that they might know the incredible love of God. They have certainly had an initial experience of God’s love. They have been “rooted” (an agricultural term) and “established” (a building term) in love (3:17), but according to Paul, that is only the beginning. Paul knows that there is so much more of God’s love to grasp and experience. As you appreciate more of the immense love God has for you, you will be filled with God (3:19). You will see how Jesus deeply (and highly and widely) loves you and believes in you. As this sinks into your heart and mind, you will find freedom to love and serve those you are leading. It makes such a difference when you lead from a deep knowledge of being loved by God. If you are trying to earn his love, you will be plagued by doubts, fears, defensiveness, and inadequacy. Remember the Father’s words to Jesus after His baptism: “This is my Son whom I love; with him, I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17). God wanted to make it clear that he loved Jesus and was pleased with him, and he wants to do the same for you. I pray that you will “have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” for you (3:18). 

Prayer

Lord, I know that you love me. You have called me to be your child and have paid the price for all my failures. I am deeply loved. But there is so much more to your love. You care about everything that happens to me. You walk every day with me. You continually breathe new life into me. You laugh and cry with me. You have plans and dreams for me. You long for the day when you bring me home to all that you have prepared for me. Please grow my understanding and appreciation of your love. 

Personal Reflection

Take some time to rest in God’s love. Let him love you. Hear God’s words over you: “This is my son/daughter whom I love; with him/her, I am well pleased.”

Loving Others with God

Leadership Lesson

God’s love flows through Jesus-style leaders to those they influence.

Read 1 John 4:7–12.

Comment

In this letter, the Apostle John explains that love for others is one of the signs that show we belong to Jesus. Here is his reasoning: “God really loves us, and he showed this by sending Jesus to give us life, so if God lives in us, we inevitably find God’s love flowing out of us to others.” Let me make this even simpler: John says that God-loved people inevitably love people lots. That’s why Jesus said that His followers would be marked by their love for each other (John 13:35). It makes sense. The more we really know and experience God’s love, the more we will want to share this love with the people around us. As John argues, if we don’t deeply love others, it’s obvious that we don’t really know God’s love (4:8). It’s that clear-cut for John. So, if you find it difficult to love those you are seeking to influence, you either have not received God’s love or some brokenness in you is blocking His love from flowing through you. Whatever the root cause is, a lack of love is very serious. On the other hand, as we are immersed in God’s love, those we influence will see God’s love pouring through us.

Prayer

Lord, I receive your love again today. You even love me when I am weak, and when I am lonely, and when I am failing, and when I am selfish, and when I am distracted. Nothing stops you from loving me. This is the kind of love I want to offer to those whom I am seeking to influence. But I can’t do this on my own. May Your love flow through me.

Personal Reflection

Think of someone you find more difficult to love and try to understand how God feels about them. Pray for God’s love to flow through you.

No Love, No Godly Influence

Leadership Lesson

If love for people is not driving our leadership, we are wasting our time as far as God is concerned.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1–7.

Comment

I am blown away by how important love is, according to this letter from the Apostle Paul. Every act of service is a waste of time without love. You could be incredibly gifted, speaking powerfully on God’s behalf, but without love, you’re just a noisy gong (13:1). You could know everything about the Bible and do marvelous miracles, but without love, you achieve nothing (13:2). You could make staggering sacrifices for God and the poor, but without love, there would be absolutely no benefits (13:3). In other words, you could see all your dreams of leadership fulfilled—incredible success, powerful ministry, sacrificial service—and completely waste your time from God’s perspective. Paul is not pulling his punches. Love for those we serve is the key to Jesus-style leadership. If love is not driving us, we are merely wasting time, no matter how impressive the results. Wow, that’s confronting. It’s good that Paul doesn’t leave us hanging but goes on to explain what such love looks like. Real love is not just an inner feeling; it always shows in actions. Read through the evidence of love again (13:4–7) to see how you are going.

Prayer

I’m hugely challenged by this Scripture, Lord. I wish that I had a little more wiggle room to do things for You without always deeply loving those I influence. But Your word is clear, so I’m asking for Your help. Please fill me with Your love each day so that I overflow with patience, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, trust, hope, and perseverance. Please may your love flow through me.

Personal Reflection

Don’t be too hard on yourself as a young leader. Growing love is a lifetime challenge. But examine yourself and check that what you are doing is motivated by love for those you are leading.

Jesus-style Leaders Are Servants

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders are servants of those they lead.

Read Matthew 20:25–28.

Comment

These words of Jesus were prompted by a request from the mother of James and John. She had asked Jesus for her boys to fill the most prominent roles in His new kingdom. Her request showed a complete misunderstanding of Jesus-style leadership. Like the Romans (the “Gentiles”), she thought of leadership in terms of authority, power, and prominence. Leaders would be noticed. They would have authority. They could get what they wanted. They would have followers to support and serve them. No wonder she wanted her sons to have the top positions. She thought that there were big benefits to being a top-level leader because she saw this every day in the Roman world. But Jesus’ model of leadership was the complete opposite. Jesus-style leaders were to be the main servants. Jesus-style leaders were to give their lives for others. Jesus even called them slaves (20:27). Jesus turned leadership on its head. But it does make sense. If Christian leaders are driven by love, then of course they will want to serve those they love. The reward for Jesus-style leadership is not power or prestige, but the joy of serving followers and God’s deep appreciation. The disciples would eventually learn this.

Prayer

Thanks for this reminder, Lord. I do like the thought of being recognised and respected by people. But I know You call me to a life of humility and service, and I lay down my personal ambitions to lead Your way with Your heart. May I lead and serve like You and give my life away to those I love.

Personal Reflection

Where have you seen the Roman style and the Jesus style of leadership modeled? Try to think of concrete examples. Which style best describes your approach to leadership at the moment?

Jesus, the Servant Leader

Leadership Lesson

Jesus loved to serve his followers in concrete ways.

Read John 13:1–5.

Comment

I’m not a fan of having my feet washed in ceremonies that happen every now and then in churches. I feel quite awkward about people touching my feet. But the disciples would have been much more uncomfortable having their feet washed by Jesus. Washing the feet of travelers as they entered a house was the job of the least significant person (usually a slave), definitely not the leader. Clearly, none of the disciples were willing to do it. But as we have already seen, Jesus turned leadership upside down. Don’t think for a minute that Jesus reluctantly washed the feet of His mates because no one else would. Note that Jesus knew His authority and place as the Messiah (13:3). As a result, He gladly took on the slave role. He saw it as His privilege. Washing feet was naturally what a leader with ultimate authority and power would do in Jesus’ new kingdom. It was His prerogative. You may not have to wash anyone’s feet, but as a Jesus-style leader, you will show your love through practical acts of sacrificial service again and again. It could be an encouraging word, a shared prayer, a hospital visit, a generous gift, an inconvenient action, a coffee invitation, or just some personal interest.

Prayer

Please open my eyes to the privilege of serving others, Jesus. You not only served the disciples by washing their feet, but You continue to serve me every day. I appreciate the greatness that was displayed in Your servant heart, and I long that I might have the same privilege of serving those you entrust to my care.

Personal Reflection

Maybe you have not washed the feet of those you lead (I could be wrong), but what are you doing practically to show that you love them? How would they know that you really do love them and want to serve them?

Foot-washing Leaders

Leadership Lesson

Serving those we lead will bring blessings to everyone.

Read John 13:12–17.

Comment

Jesus’ washing His followers’ feet was not just a beautiful expression of love; it was an intentional action that Jesus called his disciples to imitate. Because the Creator of the universe and ultimate authority and judge washed feet, it’s the call of every Jesus-style leader. Jesus did it, so we too are foot washers. This means that we go out of our comfort zone to practically help those we influence. Jesus-style leaders readily sacrifice their own agendas and needs to do what is best for those who follow them. This sounds challenging, but according to Jesus, the result will inevitably be a blessing. Of course, those we serve are blessed by our love and actions, but Jesus says that we will be blessed as well (13:17). The blessing we receive include the love and respect of our followers, the growth of our influence, the joy of living like Jesus, and the eternal appreciation of God. Jesus-style leaders don’t miss out when they “wash feet.” If you have any doubts that serving is Jesus’ way to lead, listen again to his command: “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet” (13:14).

Prayer

Okay, Lord, I get it. You are calling me to a life of Jesus-style leadership through “foot washing.” I know that I will find it difficult and demanding at times, but I can see that it’s Your way of leading, and therefore I know that it is right and good. Please make me a good “foot washer,” and in your grace, bless me through it.

Personal Reflection

Think of a “foot-washing” action that you could do for someone you are serving or leading this week. It may be something you were already planning to do, but it would be good if you could do something outside the ordinary.

Sacrificing Our Agenda

Leadership Lesson

Love sometimes means putting aside our agenda for the needs of those we lead or serve.

Read Mark 6:30–34.

Comment

Jesus had sent his 12 disciples out in pairs to teach, do miracles, and exorcise evil spirits. It would have been incredibly exciting as they saw God, in His grace, work in power through them. But they returned home physically and emotionally exhausted, so Jesus arranged a quiet break. However, it didn’t quite work out as they planned. It seems that there was little breeze for the sails, and they were probably too tired to row. Their slow journey meant that when the crowd worked out where they were going, they got to the “solitary” place on foot ahead of them. It did not turn out to be solitary at all. What was Jesus to do? Driven by his deep compassion for people (6:34), He put aside His own agenda (a break with His friends) and started teaching again. When Jesus saw the need, He changed gears. This is a common occurrence for Jesus-style leaders. Sometimes you will have plans and priorities that need to be put on hold as you serve the needs of followers. For some of us, this is natural, but many of us need to learn that what we are planning is not always what God wants. Real love often means sacrificing our plans so that we can better serve the needs of those we are influencing.

Prayer

Lord, I’m sure you’re pleased that I have projects and plans that I want to pursue. But sometimes my schedule gets really tight, and I find it difficult to be flexible. May I never put my agenda ahead of Your agenda. May I love those around me and listen carefully when You call me to postpone my plans in order to serve my friends.

Personal Reflection

When was the last time you chose to put aside an important plan or appointment in order to listen to or help someone in need? Try to listen carefully to the voice of Jesus and the needs of those you serve today.

Drawing Boundaries in Love

Leadership Lesson

Love sometimes means drawing boundaries with those we lead or serve.

Read Matthew 14:18–23.

Comment

This is the end of the story we started in the previous devotion. Jesus miraculously fed the needy and hungry crowd, which then settled down for another big inspirational session by firelight. You can imagine their expectations after the dinner miracle. They had seen the power of Jesus firsthand. I bet they were listening especially attentively. But Jesus wouldn’t have a bar of it. It was now prayer time for Jesus. He needed time with His Father. So He “made” the disciples leave, “dismissed” the disappointed crowd, and headed off up the mountain alone. Jesus knew that those He served would miss out if He didn’t have time with His Father, so He drew a boundary with the disciples and the crowd. It was time for them to leave. Jesus-style leaders need to learn this lesson well. Yes, at times you have to sacrifice your agenda for the needs of those you serve, but at other times you need to draw boundaries in order to do what pleases God. If you don’t draw boundaries, you will find that your time is controlled by those you serve, not by God. You will not only be ineffective, but you may burn yourself out trying to keep everyone happy. Sometimes you will have to say no to the desires of those you lead.

Prayer

I like it when I can do things that please others, but I want to please you more than anything else, and this means I need your guidance and strength to say no when it’s the best thing to do. I want to be a leader for the long term, so please help me to prioritise my relationship with you and my own emotional and spiritual strength. Help me to get this right like you did, Jesus.

Personal Reflection

Do you tend to be too giving to others or too protective of yourself? What is God saying? Are you doing things for others that are limiting your effectiveness as a leader?

Investing in Followers

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders will invest more time and effort into some followers.

Read Luke 6:12–16.

Comment

The gospels’ writers use the word “disciple” to refer to two different groups. Sometimes they are talking about a large group of followers of Jesus. These disciples must have made a commitment to Jesus because they are differentiated from the general crowd that hung around Jesus (e.g., Luke 6:17). They supported and served Jesus, and some provided financial assistance. But mostly the Gospels use the word “disciple” to refer to the twelve apostles (“sent out ones”). This reading describes how Jesus chose 12 “special” disciples out of the much larger band. The twelve were to get more of Jesus’ time and teaching than the larger group because he saw their potential and was preparing them for leadership roles in the early church. It would be easy to think that if we really loved people, we would give everyone the same amount of attention and time. That seems fair, but it is not possible, and it is not what Jesus did. Jesus-style leaders will prayerfully (6:12) choose some followers to invest in who they believe have greater potential to influence others. This is not favouritism but is a wise and loving use of a leader’s limited time.

Prayer

Please help me to love and serve everyone You put around me. I know that You have a special heart for the broken and hurting, and I want that heart too. But guide me as I choose to specially invest in a few people with the potential to serve you and influence others effectively. Lead me to those who will share my life and maybe my ministry.

Personal Reflection

Do you have any special friends or followers that share your life? Pray for them. Is there anyone you feel led to invest in more?

Jesus Shows Us How

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders walk the same path as Jesus.

Read Philippians 2:5–11.

Comment

As we learn about Jesus-style leadership, this Scripture stands out as the ultimate statement on the heart of Jesus’ leadership. He started off with incredible greatness—Jesus was God in all his power and glory. Then he descended to the lowest point as our servant—made himself nothing, limited himself to human form, and died cruelly on a cross as a criminal. Because of this amazing service to us, God exalted Him—gave Him the greatest power, and made Him Judge and Lord of all. This is the pathway that all Jesus-style leaders take. We start as children of God being called to a ministry of influence and spiritual authority by God’s grace. Then we become lowly servants by giving ourselves in love and service to our followers. Through this service, we end up exalted by God and those we serve, and we are rewarded for all our service. This was the trajectory of Jesus, and so we faithfully choose this path. There is no other pathway to greatness in the Kingdom of God. It demands deep love and humility. May you follow well in the footsteps of Jesus.

Prayer

I know that this pathway is costly, Lord, but it’s the path You walked, and I desperately want to follow You. I have a long way to go and lots of challenges lie ahead, but I am excited about standing with You and serving Your way, Jesus. Teach me how to give my life away like You did. May Your attitude be mine (2:5).

Personal Reflection

There is certainly a great blessing to come in the future for you, but can you see any blessing coming out of your serving people at the moment?Continue

Heart Really Matters Most 

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders have a heart for God. 

Read 1 Samuel 16:5-7; 11-12.

Comment

Today, we come to the third aspect of the Jesus-style leadership “operating system.” It is composed of Grace, Love and Heart. Let’s have a look at what Scripture says about Heart. Israel’s first king, Saul, had messed things up, so God told Samuel to secretly anoint a new king. When Samuel saw Jesse’s son Eliab walk in front of him, he thought, “Surely… this is the next king!” (16:6). Eliab was big, strong, and good-looking. He was just what Israel needed as a king to lead them in battle (the king’s main role at the time). To Samuel, Eliab was clearly God’s choice, but Samuel was completely wrong. He had to learn that the most important thing in choosing a leader was not how gifted, smart, or pumped they were, but what was going on inside their heart. As God said to Samuel, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Eliab just didn’t have the right heart, and that made all the difference. God has given you gifts and abilities, but He is most concerned about your heart—the place that drives your decisions, feelings, ideas, attitudes, and responses. God is looking at your motives, attitudes, and character. Your heart matters most to God. 

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, that when You called me as Your child, You changed my heart. You gave me a heart for you—a heart that wants to live close to You and love and obey You. May I protect and nurture this soft, good heart You have given me. May I want You more than anything else. May I lead for You, not for myself. I long to be a leader like David with your heart, Lord. 

Personal Reflection

Take some time to just be with God. Let Him love you. Ask Him to check out your heart and reveal any problems that are making it cold or hard. Let Him soften and renew your heart.

Your Character Reveals Your Heart

Leadership Lesson

Character trumps ability every time. Ability is a gift from God, but character is the fruit of your heart.

Read Matthew 7:15–20.

Comment

Jesus was warning his followers that bad leaders would be a danger in the future. They would look and sound good, but they would damage those who followed them. Jesus said that these dangerous leaders could be identified by their fruit (7:16). Only a lemon tree can produce lemons, and a mango tree only bears mangoes. A tree is quite literally known by the fruit it produces. According to Jesus, it’s the same for spiritual leaders. In the end, their character will show what they’re really like. It’s a leader’s character that reveals their heart. You can’t see a person’s heart, but you can see their attitudes and the way they live. Eugene Peterson translates this: “Don’t be impressed with charisma; look for character.” Leaders can appear amazing, but it’s their character that really matters to God and their followers. Character trumps ability every time. It’s your character that shows whether you really are serving God or yourself. Character is so important that God will usually allow young Jesus-style leaders to go through challenges that test their character. He especially checks to see whether you are a person of integrity—the same in secret as you are when everyone is watching. God needs leaders of proven character who will walk the talk.

Prayer

Lord, I appreciate the opportunities to lead that you are giving me. May I lead well. But I really want to be known for my character more than my abilities or successes. I want those I influence to see that You are my motivation. I want them to be more impressed by my godly character than by my capability. As my character gets tested, may I hold on to You. I want to be an open book with no secrets.

Personal Reflection

Can you see any ways in which your character is being tested at the moment? Where are you being tempted to compromise what you believe? Pray for strength to live for Jesus.

Requirements for Church Leaders

Leadership Lesson

Church elders need to be mature Christians with good character.

Read 1 Timothy 3:1–7.

Comment

Okay, you’re probably not a church elder at the moment, so what is the relevance of this Scripture? I want to reinforce the importance of building character for long-term, Jesus-style leadership. Maybe someday you will spiritually lead a church. Paul agrees that aspiring to be a church elder is a good thing if you understand God’s requirements, but it isn’t a role suitable for everyone. So what kind of Christians are good candidates for the role? God’s requirements for church leaders are quite surprising. I would have thought Paul would emphasize biblical knowledge, leadership ability, and communication skills. He does mention teaching ability, but apart from that, God’s requirements for church leadership are all about character. Check them out and see if you agree. For example, what you’re like with your family and with non-church people are both very important to God. In fact, your true character is most obvious when you’re not in the spotlight. Spiritual growth is mainly about growing our character so that we look more and more like Jesus.

Prayer

I’m not ready to be a church elder yet, but I want so much to develop the character that Paul describes in this passage. Please keep working in me. Mature and grow my heart for You. Keep developing me into a leader of integrity that others can trust, respect, and follow with confidence.

Personal Reflection

Think about a Christian leader that you really respect. Why do you respect them? Does it have more to do with their abilities or their character? Thank God for them and their influence.

In Step with the Spirit

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders keep in step with God’s Spirit.

Read Galatians 5:19–26.

Comment

The “acts of the flesh” include debauchery, orgies, and witchcraft (which sound really evil), along with jealousy, rage, and selfish ambition (which may not seem to be as dangerous). But as far as God is concerned, these are all signs that Christians are not living by the Spirit. How do we avoid these things and develop godly character? Paul’s wisdom for us is: “Keep in step with the Spirit!” (5:25). To help understand Paul’s command, I picture a child standing on the feet of their mum or dad, arms wrapped around their parent’s legs, as they take big steps together. As you hold tight to God and allow his Spirit to fill you, you will find that you naturally walk God’s way and produce Spirit fruit like love, joy, peace, and patience. These are the fruit of a godly heart. Of course, you have to make an effort. You need to keep in step with the Spirit. But you don’t have to produce the fruit; that is the Spirit’s job. Eventually, a leader’s character will indicate whether they are walking with the Spirit or not. Jesus-style leaders gradually look more and more like Jesus. I hope you can already see the Spirit bringing change to your character and the way you lead.

Prayer

There is no way that I can become loving, peaceful, gentle, and joyful by myself. I can make short-term changes, but I just don’t have the willpower to transform my life and my motivations. But that is Your job, Holy Spirit, not mine. So once again, I hand over control to You and pray that You will make me look more like Jesus as I keep in step with You.

Personal Reflection

Go through the fruit of the Spirit (5:22–23) and identify areas in which you have changed positively over the last 12 months. How is God’s Spirit working in you at the moment? What changes is he producing?

Being a Shepherd

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders are good shepherds.

Read 1 Peter 5:1-6.

Comment

I love this passage. It so clearly describes the heart of Christian leadership. Leaders are shepherds. In the first century, shepherds would look after a small flock of sheep by getting to know them, guiding them to good pasture, protecting them from wild animals, and caring for them when they were injured. This is a picture of our job as Jesus-style leaders (5:2). God has given us a flock to serve. We are not all that interested in attention or benefits, but we are keen to lead by example (5:3). Our example will influence those we lead far more than our words. We want those we influence to see Jesus in the way we serve and lead them. Part of our example as young leaders is our submission to those in authority over us (5:5). It’s easy for younger leaders to think that they have the answers. In some instances, this may be true, but if you can’t submit to spiritual authority, you will not develop spiritual authority. I hope that you’re seeing how consistent the Bible is about the kind of leaders God wants. At the heart of Jesus-style leadership lie serving, humility, and godly example.

Prayer

Lord, you know my heart. I really do want to please You and shepherd those You have given me to serve and influence. May my example reflect Your love and goodness. May my submission to those who lead me show my desire to serve rather than have my own way. I humbly accept Your direction and the guidance of those who are my leaders. Make me into a good shepherd.

Personal Reflection

It’s easy to submit to your leaders when you agree with them. The test of your submission is when you disagree. Have you ever submitted willingly to someone in authority when you thought they were wrong?

The Importance of Modeling

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders are worth copying.

Read Hebrews 13:7-8.

Comment

Some things change in leadership over time. Leaders need different skills and different approaches as they influence different generations. But Jesus never changes (13:8), and so Jesus-style leaders will have lots in common. Cultures and leadership styles will vary, but a heart for Jesus will always look the same. The writer of Hebrews encourages his readers to look for a heart for Jesus in their leaders and to imitate it. They don’t need to copy their leaders’ personalities, giftings, or leadership styles, but they do need to consider their “way of life” and imitate their “faith.” I guess you have already been doing this. You have probably modeled your heart for Jesus on godly leaders who have impacted you. That’s good. If possible, it’s one of the ways you’re supposed to learn and grow. Godly, spiritual leaders are such an encouragement and help to those who follow them, so keep doing this. But also remember that if your followers respect you, they are already copying your life. You have a long way to grow in your leadership, but you are already modeling Jesus to those you are influencing. Leaders are always being watched. It’s a great privilege and a big responsibility.

Prayer

Thanks for the leaders who have shown me how to follow You, and who have taught me by their character and example. (Name some leaders that have shown you how to follow Jesus well and thank God individually for them.) It scares me to think that people might be modeling themselves on what I say and do. But as this is inevitably the case, help me and use me, Lord. May they see my heart for you being displayed in my character and attitude.

Personal Reflection

Have you followed a leader whose “way of life” encouraged you and helped you grow in godliness? What things do/did you notice in them that you seek to copy?

Heart to Obey God’s Word 

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders listen to Jesus and then make sure that they do what He says. 

Read Matthew 7:24–27.

Comment

Both the wise man and the foolish man in Jesus’ story heard His words. They were not ignorant. They were not oblivious to the truth. The difference between the builders was whether they actually lived out what Jesus told them (“put them into practice”). Jesus’ authority was evident to all who heard Him speak, but this authority did not automatically transform all who heard Him. Some listened but wouldn’t put it into practice. For them, the words of Jesus didn’t result in godly actions, and the end results were disastrous. Their whole building ended up collapsing when things got tough. Building a spiritual house that lasts is challenging, but it’s not rocket science. According to Jesus, it’s just hearing God (knowing what God says) and obeying (doing what God says). 

1. Jesus-style leaders have a heart to know what God says, so studying the Bible is important. It’s through Scripture that we learn how to think and do things God’s way. It’s how Jesus-style leaders grow wisdom. 

2. Jesus-style leaders then share and live out what they learn. They develop character. This is the way that wisdom and character develop together. 

Prayer

I am getting lots of information about how You want me to lead, Lord. This is good, and I’m greatly appreciating it. But I know that knowledge is not the same as wisdom and character. Help me to discern what You are saying to me and to put it into practice. Help me to live what I’m learning. 

Personal Reflection

What are you learning from the Bible at the moment? How is it changing your life? What wisdom could you share with someone who is following you?

Youth is No Barrier to Leadership

Leadership Lesson

Youth is not a barrier to most leadership roles.

Read 1 Timothy 4:11–16.

Comment

With our focus on heart (leadership character and wisdom), it would be easy to presume that Jesus-style leadership is only for mature people. Timothy was young and therefore was copping some flak from a congregation that was used to leaders being older. He was probably in his mid-30s, which I’m sure doesn’t sound really young to you, but these were times when grey hair was respected more than gifting. Paul’s advice to Timothy is clear: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young” (4:12). I hope you find Paul’s words encouraging. God’s work desperately needs young leaders. The younger you start, the greater your potential for growth. Don’t be put off by people who think you’re too inexperienced. Of course, experience is helpful for some leadership roles, but Paul didn’t see Timothy’s youth as a problem for him. It was an opportunity. What his church needed to see was his good example, his understanding of God’s Word, the use of his gifts, his progress, and his perseverance. Go for it, young Jesus-style leaders. Show your followers that God is working in and through your life. Let them see your progress in character and wisdom.

Prayer

I know I have a lot more growing to do, but I want to make a difference now. Please point out any lack of maturity that might be holding me back, help me to set a good example, and please use the gifts you have given me, Lord.

Personal Reflection

Praise God for the leadership opportunities you have received at a young age. This is God’s calling on your life. Determine to set an example in “speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (4:12).

Sure and Steady Wins

Leadership Lesson

Sure and steady wins the Jesus-style leadership race. It’s character, wisdom, and perseverance that count.

Read Luke 8:4–8.

Comment

Jesus describes four types of soil in this story. Each soil represents a different type of heart for God. The pathway represents a hard heart that has no real desire to please God. The rocky ground represents a shallow heart that wants the blessings but is not willing to pay the cost of following Jesus and therefore falls away. The thorny soil represents a lukewarm heart that eventually chooses other things over Jesus. The fourth soil represents a ‘noble and good’ heart—hearing, retaining, and persevering. These “noble and good” people don’t sound like world-beaters to me. They seem more like plodders—listening to God, doing what is right, gaining respect, serving those who follow them, and persevering day by day, year by year. It all sounds rather mundane and ordinary. But actually, they are the champions, according to Jesus. In Jesus’ day, a hundred times the crop (8:8) was an incredible, impossible, miraculous crop. This is what God does through good hearts. The good soil people persevere faithfully and therefore produce an absolutely incredible crop. Sure and steady wins the race.

Prayer

I’m usually praying for immediate blessing, Lord, and I’ve seen You work quickly and readily. But I understand that the miraculous crop is usually a long journey with many twists and turns. Mostly, it’s about forging my heart as I hear Your voice, retaining Your word and putting it into practice, and persevering through the temptations and challenges. It’s about character and wisdom. I’m claiming Your promise that the eternal results will be amazing.

Personal Reflection

Which soil best describes your heart? What could possibly stop you from persevering in Jesus-style leadership?

Spiritual Authority

Leadership Lesson

A heart for God and His Word will lead to spiritual authority.

Read John 14:9–14.

Comment

Jesus is close to His death and departure from this earth, and His disciples are starting to panic. They hope that the Father is suddenly going to show up in all His glory and sort things out. But in this passage, Jesus points out that they’ve already seen the glory of the Father in Him. The Father has been speaking through Him and working through Him (14:10). But then Jesus goes on to say that it would be the same for His disciples. The Father was going to show up through them, and they would do even greater things than He (Jesus) had done (14:12). Our goal as Jesus-style leaders is for the Father to show up in us—in our lives (seen in our character and power) and in our words (seen in our wisdom and authority). This combination of godly character and godly wisdom results in spiritual authority. This may be a new term for you, but “spiritual authority” is the recognition that we are representing God in our actions and words. Seasoned Jesus-style leaders have authority that comes from God. The presence of the Father is seen in their words and actions. They are respected, trusted, and followed because the Father is acting and speaking through them. Spiritual authority is the end product of a heart for God and His Word.

Prayer

I know that I’m nearing the start of my leadership journey, but Lord, please grow in me a heart for You and a heart for Your Word. I want to know what You think and to live Your way. I want You to show up more and more in my life, Father. I want to be part of the “greater things” that Jesus promised—not for my own benefit but so that You will be seen and believed.

Personal Reflection

Have you noticed any evidence of a growing spiritual authority in your leadership? Is anyone trusting you more because you are seen to live like Jesus and speak for Jesus? No worries if you can’t discern anything yet. Nurture your heart for God and His Word, and your spiritual authority will grow in God’s time.