LOVE
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) NKJV
God is Love (John 4:8) and “the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). Expressing the power and influence of the love of God is difficult to overemphasize. In I Corinthians 13, Paul famously wrote about the transformational nature of love and that love is greater than spiritual gifts like faith and hope. Jesus told His disciples that other people will know them by their love (John 13:35).
Love is central to Christianity and to every Christian. Every Christian leader should be driven in his or her life by the love of God in anything that he or she does. In this light, may other people recognize the heart and motives of that leader. In other words, the only way to truly know who a servant leader is, must be measured by the love he conveys on daily basis and on every situation. True love doesn’t depend on favourable conditions alone.
MODESTY
We may have at one point or the other encountered the know-it-all leader, the “submit-or-else” type of leader. Whatever the case may be, the book of proverbs 16:5 says the proud in heart is “an abomination” to God. Being arrogant does not help model or demonstrate Christ’s interests. Rather, it is indirect conflict with Christian leadership principles.
Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. (Proverbs 16:18 – 19) NKJV
SELF DEVELOPMENT
Jesus modeled self-development, according to Ron Edmondson, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Jesus often “constantly slipped away to spend time with God”.
One of the most striking example of this is when Jesus prayed in the garden at Gethsemane just before His arrest. Jesus knew “all things that would come upon Him” (John 18:4), including the painful flogging and crucifixion. This caused intense anguish and sorrow, which is evident from Luke’s account. Luke, who was a physician, was the only writer in the gospels to describe Jesus’ sweat as blood – referring to a rare condition in which Jesus found Himself.
And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:41 – 44) NKJV
Christian leaders can follow Jesus’ example of seeking God for insight into His will and for strength. Becoming more righteous is a lifelong process for all Christians, and leaders need to make time to grow spiritually.
THE RIGHT KIND OF MOTIVATION
Instead of misleading or exploiting people, good leaders motivate others, Grunlan said. In Nehemiah 2:17, “Nehemiah fearlessly motivated the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem”, Grunlan wrote “He laid out a vision, he shared a plan and he reassured God’s people that God was with them”. When we are motivating people, we should be sure it is not for our selfish purpose or benefit. We must motivate people for the right reasons that will glorify God. Manipulation and exploitation of parishioners falls below the standard of Christian leadership. But whenever we call the people of God to a higher purpose, we must motivate them to achieve it to His glory.
CORRECTION
Correcting others in the right way is important for all Christians. Many passages in scripture speak to this principle, as the following example illustrates:
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24 – 25) NKJV
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. (I Thess. 5:13 – 14) NKJV
But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:23 – 26) NKJV
How can Christian leaders approach correcting others in the right way? Lawrence offers the following tips:
- By understanding their temperaments
- By respecting their concerns
- By believing in their gifts
- By supporting their dreams
- By challenging their flaws
INTEGRITY
What is Integrity? The word integrity comes from the Latin word integer, meaning “wholeness, moral uprightness, incorruptible, honesty” it is used to describe people who are trustworthy and responsible in all circumstances. For the Christians, it indicates unity between words and deeds.
Good leaders practice and value integrity. Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. – Proverbs 16:13
People don’t follow leaders who lack integrity. “Integrity involves actions as well as words. Now, I am not so much referring to things like not stealing as I am to hypocrisy. Integrity involves practicing what we preach, being consistent and dependable, doing what we say we will do and living in such a way that others will trust us”. – Grunlan .
A man of integrity remains a committed follower of God’s will inspite of all his troubles and challenges in life. Let me ask, is there anything more important in a leader’s life than he or she seeking God’s direction? A good leader seeks the next steps.
The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:1, 3, 9) NKJV