bible teaching
Influence 6
16/04/11 22:03
Leadership God’s Way
In the world system the route to leadership in any organization is pretty straightforward. You begin with a junior position and work your way up the ranks. This is a very common approach whether in the military or in a Fortune 500 company. Your competence and desire determine your upward mobility. In some cases some people are so aggressive in their determination to climb the corporate ladder they will do almost anything to get ahead. The consensus is your progress is solely upon your shoulders. Companies will even take advantage of the fact that there is so much competition to get that plum job. They will hold the carrot out in front of the crowd and say its there for those who put in the hours. If you want promotion, you have to pay the price. It is a self-perpetuating system, as the boss who had to go through the hoops will put others through the same rigmarole because he or she had too. The Peter Principle states that "in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence", meaning that employees tend to be promoted until they reach a position at which they cannot work competently.
The Kingdom of God does not work the same way. It is not age related or self-determined by our own personal effort. You have Timothy being exhorted by Paul in 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Then you have Moses becoming the leader of Israel when he was 80. He had tried at the age of 40 to defend them and had to flee to the wilderness to save his life. The corporate world of today would not promote an 80-year-old man to CEO. But God did!
God’s route to leadership is very different from what any of us would expect. The route to promotion in God’s Kingdom seems to be in exactly the opposite direction from where you would expect to go. Look at Joseph. He was his father’s favourite son, given a richly ornamented robe, which spoke of his authority within the family. He had dreams of his promotion over his brothers and the whole family. The envy and hatred of his brothers was palpable. They almost killed him but his oldest brother, Rubin, convinced them to sell him into slavery and thereby spare his life. From Canaan he was taken to Egypt where Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guards purchased him. He was promoted within the household but was still a slave. After being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife of impropriety, he was sent to prison. In prison he worked faithfully and was given a high level of responsibility but was still a prisoner/slave. When the time was right, God promoted him. He went from prison to second in command of all Egypt, the equivalent of being promoted to vice president of the US in this day.
Joseph did not have a sterling cv. He had not attended the right colleges, worked in government or even come from the right family. He was a Hebrew slave in prison when he was promoted. The route he took was one like Moses’ that reflected Christ’s route of promotion. Philippians 2 says: “3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This route is one that exhibits humility. It is important because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride does not reflect the character of God. It was the source of Satan’s downfall. It can be a stumbling block to leadership. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 3 verse 6 that one of the qualifications for a leader is: “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” Conceited, arrogant, proud leaders are hard taskmasters.
I have shared the importance of influence as the bedrock that defines leadership. There are ways to increase that leadership. But ultimately God determines our promotion into positions of leadership. His qualification is based upon our character as believers who are reflective of Christ.
In the world system the route to leadership in any organization is pretty straightforward. You begin with a junior position and work your way up the ranks. This is a very common approach whether in the military or in a Fortune 500 company. Your competence and desire determine your upward mobility. In some cases some people are so aggressive in their determination to climb the corporate ladder they will do almost anything to get ahead. The consensus is your progress is solely upon your shoulders. Companies will even take advantage of the fact that there is so much competition to get that plum job. They will hold the carrot out in front of the crowd and say its there for those who put in the hours. If you want promotion, you have to pay the price. It is a self-perpetuating system, as the boss who had to go through the hoops will put others through the same rigmarole because he or she had too. The Peter Principle states that "in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence", meaning that employees tend to be promoted until they reach a position at which they cannot work competently.
The Kingdom of God does not work the same way. It is not age related or self-determined by our own personal effort. You have Timothy being exhorted by Paul in 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Then you have Moses becoming the leader of Israel when he was 80. He had tried at the age of 40 to defend them and had to flee to the wilderness to save his life. The corporate world of today would not promote an 80-year-old man to CEO. But God did!
God’s route to leadership is very different from what any of us would expect. The route to promotion in God’s Kingdom seems to be in exactly the opposite direction from where you would expect to go. Look at Joseph. He was his father’s favourite son, given a richly ornamented robe, which spoke of his authority within the family. He had dreams of his promotion over his brothers and the whole family. The envy and hatred of his brothers was palpable. They almost killed him but his oldest brother, Rubin, convinced them to sell him into slavery and thereby spare his life. From Canaan he was taken to Egypt where Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guards purchased him. He was promoted within the household but was still a slave. After being falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife of impropriety, he was sent to prison. In prison he worked faithfully and was given a high level of responsibility but was still a prisoner/slave. When the time was right, God promoted him. He went from prison to second in command of all Egypt, the equivalent of being promoted to vice president of the US in this day.
Joseph did not have a sterling cv. He had not attended the right colleges, worked in government or even come from the right family. He was a Hebrew slave in prison when he was promoted. The route he took was one like Moses’ that reflected Christ’s route of promotion. Philippians 2 says: “3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This route is one that exhibits humility. It is important because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Pride does not reflect the character of God. It was the source of Satan’s downfall. It can be a stumbling block to leadership. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 3 verse 6 that one of the qualifications for a leader is: “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” Conceited, arrogant, proud leaders are hard taskmasters.
I have shared the importance of influence as the bedrock that defines leadership. There are ways to increase that leadership. But ultimately God determines our promotion into positions of leadership. His qualification is based upon our character as believers who are reflective of Christ.
Influence 5
26/03/11 16:18
Shouldn’t Christians be the best people in the world to work for? That is the hope but not always the case. Keep in mind this caveat from Romans 12:18 (“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”) as you read the reason why Christians often haven’t distinguished themselves as leaders. We just won’t be able to live peaceably with everyone. It always takes both sides in a relationship to live at peace with one another.
Having said that ‘why are we falling short as leaders?’ The church is often the worst place for leadership simply because it is a spiritual atmosphere where the enemy of our souls is busy stirring things up. It is easier there than anywhere else for the misunderstandings to occur as people generally have high expectations for the church. This is the family of God. They expect the church people are going to be loving and perfect as He is. Unfortunately they aren’t. They are righteous by their standing in Christ but that righteousness is a transforming process happening hopefully over their lifetime.
As leaders we need to understand that through Christ we are seated in heavenly places with Him. We are new creations, born again through believing in what He has done for us. The Holy Spirit is given as His guarantee of eternal life that seals us securely until the coming of His Kingdom in its fullness. But we are in a process. Romans 12:2 states: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Ephesians 4:22 – 24 states: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Our thought patterns need to be changed. That’s why repentance from dead works is one of the six basic foundations of our Christian faith. Repentance means we change our minds and as a result our direction of travel in life. The process we are engaged with is one of transforming the way we think and subsequently act. Our thinking has been shaped by our experiences: good, bad and ugly. We are a product of not only our genetics but also our family of origin, our culture and our personal experiences. We often react out of these stored up subconscious factors. This is normal. I knew a woman whose father committed suicide when she was in her early teens. She thought this was normal for everyone until as an adult her interaction with others revealed this experience was not the norm.
Some in the church take the stand that when we are in Christ old things have passed away, that all things have been made new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) In the context of the passage it is in reference to sin, separation from God and reconciliation back to Him. We are not to think of Christ as the carpenter but as the Son of God. We are not to hold people to what they used to be but to accept them as new creations in Christ with a hope and a future. This is absolutely true but does not negate the fact that our past will have an effect on our life now.
Philippians 2:12 - 13 says: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Paul who also wrote the Corinthian passage is telling us to work out our salvation. How can this be if I am a new creation and the old has past away? It is only possible if you understand that you are a three part being: spirit, soul and body. Our redemption in Christ started with our spirit being born again. Our soul is in process and our body will be redeemed at the appearing of Christ in the sky when He returns, mortal will put on immortal then. In the meantime we work out our salvation by cooperating with what God is doing in our life.
Our natural inclination is to deny issues that are not pleasing to God. Just like Adam who hid when God came looking for him our pride wants us to hide what God wants to reveal. He does not have a problem with our failings; it is us that don’t want them exposed. Christian leaders need to deal with their inner life under the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. Our wholeness and humility to receive healing will create world-changing leaders. We will not lord it over people but will have a serving heart attitude. This attitude, reflective of Christ’s, changes everything.
Having said that ‘why are we falling short as leaders?’ The church is often the worst place for leadership simply because it is a spiritual atmosphere where the enemy of our souls is busy stirring things up. It is easier there than anywhere else for the misunderstandings to occur as people generally have high expectations for the church. This is the family of God. They expect the church people are going to be loving and perfect as He is. Unfortunately they aren’t. They are righteous by their standing in Christ but that righteousness is a transforming process happening hopefully over their lifetime.
As leaders we need to understand that through Christ we are seated in heavenly places with Him. We are new creations, born again through believing in what He has done for us. The Holy Spirit is given as His guarantee of eternal life that seals us securely until the coming of His Kingdom in its fullness. But we are in a process. Romans 12:2 states: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Ephesians 4:22 – 24 states: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Our thought patterns need to be changed. That’s why repentance from dead works is one of the six basic foundations of our Christian faith. Repentance means we change our minds and as a result our direction of travel in life. The process we are engaged with is one of transforming the way we think and subsequently act. Our thinking has been shaped by our experiences: good, bad and ugly. We are a product of not only our genetics but also our family of origin, our culture and our personal experiences. We often react out of these stored up subconscious factors. This is normal. I knew a woman whose father committed suicide when she was in her early teens. She thought this was normal for everyone until as an adult her interaction with others revealed this experience was not the norm.
Some in the church take the stand that when we are in Christ old things have passed away, that all things have been made new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) In the context of the passage it is in reference to sin, separation from God and reconciliation back to Him. We are not to think of Christ as the carpenter but as the Son of God. We are not to hold people to what they used to be but to accept them as new creations in Christ with a hope and a future. This is absolutely true but does not negate the fact that our past will have an effect on our life now.
Philippians 2:12 - 13 says: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Paul who also wrote the Corinthian passage is telling us to work out our salvation. How can this be if I am a new creation and the old has past away? It is only possible if you understand that you are a three part being: spirit, soul and body. Our redemption in Christ started with our spirit being born again. Our soul is in process and our body will be redeemed at the appearing of Christ in the sky when He returns, mortal will put on immortal then. In the meantime we work out our salvation by cooperating with what God is doing in our life.
Our natural inclination is to deny issues that are not pleasing to God. Just like Adam who hid when God came looking for him our pride wants us to hide what God wants to reveal. He does not have a problem with our failings; it is us that don’t want them exposed. Christian leaders need to deal with their inner life under the leading of God’s Holy Spirit. Our wholeness and humility to receive healing will create world-changing leaders. We will not lord it over people but will have a serving heart attitude. This attitude, reflective of Christ’s, changes everything.
Influence 4
17/03/11 16:51
Remember leadership is influence upon people. Furthermore this leadership should be directed to what is right and just. Also influence can be increased through invitation as well as by showing people genuine care and concern. Christians in leadership should be the best people in the world to follow. Should be! We often aren’t, not even distinguishable from all the rest of the crowd.
Why is there no difference? This has nothing to do with standing up on a desk in the midst of the office and declaring that you are a Christian, or saying if they don’t turn they’ll burn. That kind of thing would absolutely drop you to the bottom of the heap in terms of effective leadership. We aren’t talking about preaching the gospel to people. We are talking about living the gospel with people. In the work place with people whose lives you are involved with it isn’t a matter of declaring as much as it is earning there respect first. Once you have that, it is easy to share the reason for your hope in life, the reason why you are different.
The bible says: “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:12,13) Kindness means having a generous, warm, compassionate nature and subsequently expressing that nature. It is fascinating that kindness used to be understood at one time as being ‘full of love’. The scripture states that we clothe ourselves with these qualities.
Then it says to ‘bear’ with each other. Bear is an interesting word too. It means to be able to endure something without great distress or annoyance. This meaning to endure gives a different perspective to the scripture. (I tend to read words thinking I truly understand what they mean but simply looking at a dictionary brings incredible light to the intent of the scripture.) If ‘endure’ is substituted for ‘bear’, it would say, “endure each other without being annoyed or distressed”. In the midst of your enduring if you get offended then forgive what has grieved you. The Lord reminds you that if you are having difficulty with this to remember that He has forgiven you. Extend to others what has been extended to you.
People skills of this quality will make a huge difference in any environment. It is not ignoring the irritations and grievances that come with working with people. The bible is asking you to come in a different spirit or attitude than the rest of the world does. Dare to be different! You have a choice with Christ living in you. Obviously you can do what everyone does and get the same result or you can do it God’s way and get a different result.
In leadership people are the resource we are working with. How we value them will determine our effectiveness in leading. Are we willing to let go of our rights and create an atmosphere that people would give anything to work in? This does not mean you will be perfect and flawless in all your dealings with those following you. It means that if you lose it, or make a mistake, you take responsibility for it and seek to rectify it through reconciliation. People know when you’ve blown it. Trying to act like you haven’t will only undermine their respect for you. If you lose their respect, you lose your ability to lead.
Why is there no difference? This has nothing to do with standing up on a desk in the midst of the office and declaring that you are a Christian, or saying if they don’t turn they’ll burn. That kind of thing would absolutely drop you to the bottom of the heap in terms of effective leadership. We aren’t talking about preaching the gospel to people. We are talking about living the gospel with people. In the work place with people whose lives you are involved with it isn’t a matter of declaring as much as it is earning there respect first. Once you have that, it is easy to share the reason for your hope in life, the reason why you are different.
The bible says: “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:12,13) Kindness means having a generous, warm, compassionate nature and subsequently expressing that nature. It is fascinating that kindness used to be understood at one time as being ‘full of love’. The scripture states that we clothe ourselves with these qualities.
Then it says to ‘bear’ with each other. Bear is an interesting word too. It means to be able to endure something without great distress or annoyance. This meaning to endure gives a different perspective to the scripture. (I tend to read words thinking I truly understand what they mean but simply looking at a dictionary brings incredible light to the intent of the scripture.) If ‘endure’ is substituted for ‘bear’, it would say, “endure each other without being annoyed or distressed”. In the midst of your enduring if you get offended then forgive what has grieved you. The Lord reminds you that if you are having difficulty with this to remember that He has forgiven you. Extend to others what has been extended to you.
People skills of this quality will make a huge difference in any environment. It is not ignoring the irritations and grievances that come with working with people. The bible is asking you to come in a different spirit or attitude than the rest of the world does. Dare to be different! You have a choice with Christ living in you. Obviously you can do what everyone does and get the same result or you can do it God’s way and get a different result.
In leadership people are the resource we are working with. How we value them will determine our effectiveness in leading. Are we willing to let go of our rights and create an atmosphere that people would give anything to work in? This does not mean you will be perfect and flawless in all your dealings with those following you. It means that if you lose it, or make a mistake, you take responsibility for it and seek to rectify it through reconciliation. People know when you’ve blown it. Trying to act like you haven’t will only undermine their respect for you. If you lose their respect, you lose your ability to lead.