The Bible is not a leadership manual (or a science book, or a history book, etc.). It is ultimately a book on redemption - 1) God creating mankind perfect, 2) mankind falling into sin and away from God and 3) God actively working to bring mankind back into fellowship with Him.
Yet, when the Bible speaks on other peripheral matters, it speaks authoritatively.
I am really enjoying my daily encounters with God's Word as I look for leadership lessons. Whether we are a parent, a boss, a pastor, a co-worker, a student, etc., if at any time during our day we influence others, then we are leaders. These Bible lessons become extremely relevant.
Just one of the many principles I saw in my Bible reading this morning (Exodus 27-28; Matthew 21) was this:
There will be times when we are leading that others will sing our praises. Don't get caught up in that! Don't lead to get applause. That is a horrible motivation for leading!
Continue on with your responsibilities motivated by a love for those you lead. Make sure that you stay focused upon leading for the betterment of those who follow you. Why? Because there may be times when your biggest fans become your arch enemies who cry out for your blood.
If you lead to get applause, you will fall apart when attacked. But, if you lead because you love those who follow you and you desire what is best for them, you will find it easier to continue on even when folks turn on you.
Here is the example of Jesus:
Others were singing Jesus' praises!
Matthew 21:8-11 (New Living Translation)
"Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,
'Praise for the Son of David!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!
Praise God in highest heaven!'
The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. 'Who is this?' they asked. And the crowds replied, 'It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'"
Jesus genuinely cared for those He came to save.
Matthew 23:37 (New Living Translation)
Jesus: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me."
Many in the crowds turned on Jesus!
Matthew 27:22-23 (New Living Translation)
"Pilate responded, 'Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?'
They shouted back, 'Crucify him!'
'Why?' Pilate demanded. 'What crime has he committed?'
But the mob roared even louder, 'Crucify him!'"
Your motivation for leading is absolutely essential. If you lead because you enjoy applause, you'll cave when it gets tough. You'll get hurt and then angry and begin making harmful decisions.
But, if you lead because you genuinely care for those under your authority, you may find the strength to carry on when things get really tough. Jesus has been there. He knows what it's like. When times get tough, call on Him to help you through it. He's 'been there, done that.'
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