Effective Leadership by Serving Others
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” -Luke 12:48 I have had to lead in various aspects of my life. As captain of my sport teams, for Bible studies, youth groups, as a mentor, class president and class office, prom queen, miss Madison and Southern Wisconsin, representative for my Master of Occupational Therapy class and coaching. I have learned many ways to be an effective leader from these experiences.
The ability to lead has never been through one’s own power.
“You have delivered me from the attacks of the peoples; you have preserved me as the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me, foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.” -2 Samuel 22:44-45
Jesus has taught us to lead confidently, yet humbly. To lead truthfully yet stay encouraging.
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Matthew 20:26-28, Mark 10:43-45 and Mark 9:33-35
In Luke 22:24-27 the disciples were fighting about who is the greatest. Jesus replies saying the greatest is the one who serves. I enjoy washing my patients’ hands, even when they look and smell less than desirable. It often reminds me of Jesus humbling himself to wash the disciples’ feet.
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” -John 13:13-17 and John 13:5.
Is it my first instinct to love doing this? No. Can I train my mind to love doing this? Yes! When you ask Jesus to genuinely desire to serve, not out of pride that you are better and someone is below you, but for him to create genuine love in your heart for them. Satan will try to tempt us with pride when in leadership. We need to remember to follow Jesus as our example. We are to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” -Proverbs 31:8-9
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” -Isaiah 66:2 The Bible is the literal word of God, and we should tremble at its holiness, realizing our Holy Father is speaking directly to us through it. When we are in leadership type positions, it is important to remain humble. What exactly is humility and how do we obtain it? After all God does say. “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.” -James 1:9
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life” Proverbs 22:4. Fearing God helps you realize you are created, not the creator. When you are humble, you get peace. “The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day; and the idols will totally disappear.” -Isaiah 2:17 and Isaiah 2:11. God alone should be exalted as He is our creator. If we are being honest, we would say that we want to be exalted. What is ironic is even when you are exalted, you will not be fulfilled because our very nature is we were created to exalt God.
“For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” -Psalm 149:4, James 4:6, Matthew 5:5, Psalm 37:11, Matthew 5:5 and Psalm 37:11 More ironic is when we exalt God, he crowns us with victory. “In the pride of your heart you say, “I am a god; I sit in the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.” But you are a mere mortal and not a god, thou you think you are as wise as a god.” -Ezekiel 28:2 As an occupational therapist, I have had to help patients bathe at the end of their life. Nothing humbles you more than when you cannot perform your activities of daily living. I have had some raw and real conversations with those in this stage, realizing how dependent we really are on God and one another.
“The pride of your heart has deceived you.” -Obadiah 1:3 (Talking about Edom against Israel) We need to be careful pride does not deceive us, as pride in its very nature is thinking we are right when we are not. “The greatest among you will be your servant. 12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” -Matthew 23:11-12, Luke 14:11 and Proverbs 29:23. God promises “Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” -James 4:10 The more we humble ourselves, the more God lifts us up. If you humble yourself strictly for the desire of wanting to be lifted, this is pride. Humility is not self-hatred. It is where you are so focused on Jesus and others, it is hard to remain thinking about yourself, your problems and building yourself up. When I am suffering, I have wanted to sulk in my pain. Then I realize if I continued to sulk, I would not have the energy to share the gospel with others and help them. When you are confident in who you are, you can naturally become humble knowing God has justified you. You will only know who you are, if you are in the word of God. I have always wanted to say what I do, what my accomplishments were until I realized God already knows. When you are confident with yourself, it makes it easier to love others, making them feel like they are the only person who matters.
“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” -Proverb 16:5 “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” -Proverbs 27:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 5:6 Pride brings punishment. Let others praise you, not yourself. Stay confident while staying humble. The world feels a leader should be selfish and use their power to manipulate. They feel it shows their strength. God loves a leader who is courageous through selfless love and justice. Courage does not mean as a leader we have no fear. It means we reply on God with our fears and do not let them stop us from carrying out His purpose.
Being an athlete and Occupational Therapist, I cannot help but think it is like our muscles. The more we work them out, just like our ability to lead, the better we will get! God is looking for a leader who is willing to trust Him to make himself big and tough the way he is! But he said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. There I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and 2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Paul asked God to remove a thorn in his side that Satan has put there. God responded saying not that the thorn would be removed, but that his grace is sufficient through the thorn. The same holds true for us. I have begged and pleaded with God to remove the turmoil and hardships in my life, the heart ache and the devastation, only to realize no matter what I go through and no matter who I have in my life, His grace is sufficient. I am not saying this as someone living in a fairy tale world or having empty happiness pretending everything is ok. God meant what He said. We were created for Him, and He will not fail His responsibility of being enough for us through the worst of this very difficult life and broken world. He will take responsibility for whatever He has called us to. Our shortcomings are not His fault or our sin, but He is that powerful He can still take responsibility for His glory and good to come out of it. His power is made perfect in our weakness. There are many times I have overcome obstacles in my life, knowing very well I was not smart enough or strong enough alone, whether in grad school or in sports, but have still succeeded knowing fully well it was only by the power of Christ. I will boast how I cannot do it on my own, but every accomplishment of my life has been through Christ. “I will put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies…In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.” -Psalm 44:6-8
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.” -Galatians 6:14-15 and Isaiah 45:25
Did you know we are allowed to boast, but not about ourselves or anything about us, but in Christ? We boast in Christ because nothing else we can accomplish in the world can satisfy like He does. There is nothing wrong with wanting to feel loved and accepted, we were created to be loved and accepted; but we will never find it in this world, through fame, by how many people like us, through our success, through the number of friends we have, how many people are in love with us, through even a significant other or your spouse. The second you take your eyes off the cross and look to yourself and to others for this acceptance and purpose you will search your entire life. Human love is incredible, and God did design us, but love is limited so it can never fulfill us. We all know mistakes we have made in relationships, or times we have not loved our spouse, significant others, friend, family member or neighbor unconditionally which is what we were designed for, and it is the type of love God has for us.
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” -Galatians 5:6 You can express the faith you have in Christ through love.
“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; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” -Ephesians 4:22-24.
What is the attitude of your mind?
“So, he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.” -Zechariah 4:6 You will not lead efficiently though poser and might but by the spirit of God. No help book or person can give you the supernatural power that only comes from Christ to help you lead and stay confident in your life.
“You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, “What have we said against you?” “You have said, “It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements…” -Malachi 3:13-14 We are being arrogant when we have the attitude that God “owes” us when we serve Him. We get to serve Him by being madly in love with Him for giving us his all at the cross. We have the power to say no to sin, and yes to Him. We gain the absolute honor to get to serve the creator of the universe.
Leaders focus on objectives, not the obstacles. Preparation is key to being an effective leader. The Bible tells us to plan.
“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified of them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land- against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.” -Jeremiah 1:17-19
As a leader, God will guide you. As an individual serving and following Christ, He will guide you. “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying “This is the way; walk in it.” -Isaiah 30:21
“This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” -Jeremiah 6:16 To know the way to go, we need to ask God. We may not hear an audible voice, but God desires to guide us through Him, the Holy Spirit. Look for the ancient paths by getting in the word, every day. You will find rest, peace, for your soul.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” -Proverbs 16:3 Many people change their beliefs based on the situations they are in. We are called to do the opposite. When you are not sure what God wants you to tell others or show them while leading, ask Him! Fully commit yourself to the Lord, regardless of the outcome and He will establish your plans. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out.” -Romans 11:33 You may not understand or be able to trace out His plan, but continue to lean into Him and He will guide you. You do not have to have the answers to follow His will and plan. God desires to make himself known to us. Pray for a clear answer. Accountability and discipline are key. Discipline is what keeps you going when the adrenaline and feelings have worn down. I have tended to blame God for circumstances I have ended up in in the past, finding my own sin got me there. Regardless of the circumstances you have in your life, blaming someone else or God is the biggest waste of time and will get you nowhere. All the way back when Adam and Eve took the fall, the first thing they did was blame each other and the devil, and yet everyone still had their consequence. Even if someone else has wronged us, God says we are to take responsibility how we react.
“Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 18 He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.” -Daniel 2:17-23
God reveals deep and hidden things, and even though He himself dwells in the light He exposes the darkness to us.
God does not desire to stay hidden or secretive in His ways. Yes, He is the almighty God and there is no possible way us as humans can comprehend exactly what He is doing and why. However, if we are desiring direction in our own lives, he says he wants to reveal this counsel and His thoughts to mankind. “He who forms the mountains who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth- the Lord Almighty is his name.” -Amos 4:13 and Amos 5:8
“…turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.” -Proverbs 2:2- 7 and Psalm 7:10
“Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” -Daniel 2:27-28 I love how Daniel always gave glory back to God, understanding the wisest of His age did not acquire their wisdom on their own.
“The king said to Daniel, ‘Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.’ Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men.” -Daniel 2:47- 48
Daniel was blessed because of His faith in God, and trust of His provision of wisdom.
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” -1 Corinthians 4:20 God wants to use you, but we need to not just say He can use us, but be completely self-reliant on Him with courage in order to overcome our fears. He wants us to boast not in ourselves, but in Him. You may feel like you could never lead. You feel you are not good enough, do not talk enough, do not know enough. The list could go on with all the excuses people make. Moses said he could not speak properly. David could have said he was not strong enough. Do we realize who our God is? You can be an effective leader! Do not give up!
“When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he said to the Lord, ‘I have sinner; I, the shepherd, have done wrong. These are but sheep. What have they done? Let your hand fall on me and my family’.” -2 Samuel 24:17 and 1 Chronicles 21:17
“…you, then, who teaches others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?” -Romans 2:21-23
As leaders, we have a lot of responsibility. This sounds a lot like practice what you preach, or what you preach is invalid.
“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” -Matthew 23:1-
Will we ever be perfect? No. Will others look to see what we do when we fail? Absolutely. As leaders we will sin, but how do you respond when you sin? This is what makes an effective leader. We should strive to be as much like Jesus as possible, looking to Him when we fall short. I understand we are not perfect, but we shouldn’t look like an unbeliever.
Stay humble and be honest when you have fallen short. God has not called you to fit in.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. You were not called to fit in! Look at the story of Joseph! He went through trial after trial, and yet God called him to lead in each circumstance he was in. “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When’s master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.” -Genesis 39:2-4.
He was put into leadership, and might I add successful in His leadership due to his devout life to the Lord. Also, was Potiphar a man of God? We do not know but regardless, he was blessed maybe because of Joseph.
God called many in the Bible who are human just like you and me and used them in amazing, mighty was!. There are so many examples of the Bible of those broken exactly like each of us such as Abraham who was a liar in Genesis 20:2 where he says his wife is his sister to save himself, Noah who became drunk, Moses who was a murderer, Sampson who was so powerful in in physical strength from God was had a weakness for women, Abraham who did not trust God multiple times, David who had victory from the Lord over giants but had lust, Solomon was the wisest man to ever live and wrote proverbs, yet had hundreds of wives and lost his way, Elijah who ran in fear and depression out of queen Jezebel. In Genesis, Abraham first asks his wife to lie for his life to be spared and she was taken by the Pharaoh of Egypt since he took matters into his own hands when he thought pharaoh would kill him for his wife. He wants to use every single individual he has made on this earth when they come to Him
You may think you are not adequate to lead but look at people God uses in the Bible to lead even with their flaws. In Exodus 2:11-12 Moses murders an Egyptian for beating a Hebrew, one of his people.
“Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” -Exodus 4:10-12 and 1 Corinthians 4:5.
Every time I speak at an event, have done presentations in Grad school or flat out was nervous to talk to someone, I think of this verse. Who gave human beings their mouth? Who makes them deaf or mute? If you pray and ask God to guide your words each day, go into that day having full confidence that even if you mess us, stutter, say the wrong thing, but will guide you!
“You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11 Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13 Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” -Mark 13:9-13 and John 17:14.
Even during persecution or in a circumstance you are the most nervous, the Holy Spirit will guide you in what to say. Stand firm until the end.
“This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.” -1 Corinthians 2:13 The words of wisdom are not from our human understanding but taught by the Holy Spirit.
“I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” -1 Corinthians 2:3-5.
The fact that we can speak even through our nervousness and fears for Jesus shows the power of the Spirit.
“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” -Matthew 10:19-20
Do not be anxious about your words. I have prayed for God to guide my words, remembering God says to ease our anxiousness, we are to bring it to him in prayer. This includes how we speak and interact with others. The truth says even if it gets the point of being arrested, not to worry. God will be with us and continue to guide us. It will not be us speaking, but the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. “The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.” -Psalm 37:30-31
“God desires to speak life through you if you let Him. “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: “When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.” -2 Samuel 23:2-4
“I have out my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand- I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.’” -Isaiah 51:16 Jesus who set the heavens in place, will give you the words to say. What more reassurance do you need? Who to trust better? “But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.” -Acts 6:10 Even when you face the most difficult circumstances, the Spirit is there to guide and speak. God can use even the worst circumstances in our life for His glory His good which is ultimately our good when we trust in Him.
“But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.” -Judges 8:23 When in a leadership position, we stay humble remembering we are only alive and have breath to lead in the first place because of God. Everything is made for Christ and through Him, including your roles and purpose in life.
“Now then, tell my servant David, “This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies before you. Now I will make you name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.” -2 Samuel 7:8-9, 1 Chronicles 17:7-8 and Amos 7:14-16.
God also took Amos from tending sheep to being a prophet for Israel. Whatever position, occupation or role you have in life, we can have confidence God has placed you there for His divine purpose. Do you feel like you are not where you are supposed to be? You could be in a season of preparation, like David was when He was a shepherd before God made him king. I wish I would not have rushed through seasons of my life to get to the next. Even though I was not supposed to stay in those seasons and continue to progress, when you look back you see the purpose of those seasons for preparation. Find joy today, understanding and knowing if God can take a small shepherd boy and make Him king, there is nothing and no obstacle in your life God will not use or remove in order to have you be where you need. I had to work hard in high school to stay an average student. I would have never guessed God would have led me to the career I have been in, helped me get through my neuroscience and anatomy and physiology classes to passing my boards to become a certified hand therapist.
“God said, ‘Ask for whatever you want me to give you.’ Solomon answered, ‘You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So, give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?’ The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So, God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for- both wealth and honor- so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life. Then Solomon awoke- and he realized it had been a dream.” -1 Kings 3:5-15 and 2 Chronicles 1:7-12
Of all the things Solomon could have asked for, he asked for wisdom. It did not matter his age, when he requested wisdom God granted it to Him. Solomon was able to make this wise request because He realized the relationship David and God had. God loves Solomon’s request and heart in this situation so much, he blessed Him beyond what He asked for. The key is, we cannot ask wisdom with the hopes of gaining more from God. That is not the point. The point is realizing having his wisdom is enough. “…but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.” -Proverbs 28:2 Lead with discernment and knowledge. How do you obtain both of these? Getting in the word and asking of the Lord. Talking to others who are wise mentors who also have a relationship in the Lord or talking to others in your field of practice who have knowledge from their treatments or experiences.
“Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.” -2 Chronicles 1:1 “King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.” -1 Kings 10:23-24, 2 Chronicles 9:22-23, 1 Kings 4:29-34, 1 Kings 4:28, 1 Kings 5:7 and 1 Kings 10:9.
“Even though Solomon was now the wisest man to ever be, his wisdom is still from the Lord, who is willing to give it to you if you ask. King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. 2 They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. 4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been.” -1 Kings 11:1-4
Even though Solomon asked for wisdom, we can learn from his mistake of straying from the Lord due to many women, political affairs and marrying those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Sex and relationships are a good thing in a marriage covenant, but when we lust and desire multiple people, those who do not have Christ and having relationships for power, you will be led astray to your downfall like Solomon was.
“So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done.” -1 Kings 11:6 The Lord became angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 Although he had forbidden Solomon to follow other gods, Solomon did not keep the Lord’s command. 11 So the Lord said to Solomon,
“Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates.12 Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.” -1 Kings 11:9-12
There was punishment when Solomon’s heart was not serving the Lord. The difference is not that his Father David had been perfect. He made his mistakes too, but David repented back to the Lord where even though the Lord appeared to Solomon, he did not repent. He continues to follow other gods due to his wives leading him astray. God cares about our attitude, and our attitude toward Him. We can choose our attitude. I have had the worst attitude toward God, the worst. I have pouted like no one’s business, thinking He “owes” me, how can my life be so hard, why am I create the way I am, etc. realizing how terrible my attitude was. Who am I to question an all-powerful God? Who kept His promise to David to save His people, us, through Jesus even though those like Solomon were not stepping in line with exactly what He wanted them to do? We have a God more in control and powerful beyond our understanding. My attitude toward him should be in love and reverence for just that.
“And David became more and more powerful, because the Lord Almighty was with him.” -1 Chronicles 11:9 David was able to lead, because God was with him. David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
“Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” -1 Chronicles 29:10-13.
Wealth and honor come from the Lord who is ruler of all, David understood this even though he was human and a sinner like you and me.
“The Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he followed the ways of his father David before him. He did not consult Baals but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. The Lord established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor. His heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.” -2 Chronicles 17:3-6
Devote your heart to the Lord. It is ok to seek advice from others, especially others in your field of practice, for me I would consult other Therapists or surgeons for my job. For life advice, other fellow believers and mentors, however God should be consulted first before any as He made the human body, has every answer, sees our situation in ways others cannot, sees our heart in ways others cannot and loves us in a perfect love no other is able to. “But Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “First seek the counsel of the Lord.” -2 Chronicles 18:4
“Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.” -Ezra 7:6 To be a good teacher, we need to be well verse in the scriptures. We cannot just know the scripture, we must do what it says, but how can we do what it says if we do not know it? How can we guide others, when the scriptures, being very God Himself, is the guidance and purpose of our lives? “…because they were considered trustworthy. They were made responsible.” Nehemiah 13:13. You want to be a good leader, or you have a goal to reach a certain position? Start by being trustworthy. Be a man or woman of your word.
“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.” -Psalm 78:72 Integrity of heart means your heart does not change depending on who you are around, or if you are with others or alone. We create an integrity of heart knowing God always sees our heart, and we should have the same character and values. This does not mean we cannot ever be different with different people. I am going to act different in a professional environment and goofier with my friends, but your overall character should remain. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely” Proverbs 10:9 “Because of my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever.” -Psalm 41:12 God blesses and rewards integrity, it is of high value to Him and should be to us. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” – Proverbs 3:3-4 Love and faithfulness shoulder be the anthem of your life, developing for you a good name “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver and gold.” -Proverbs 22:1 and Ecclesiastes 7:1
“Therefor this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.” -Jeremiah 15:19
God is looking for those whose words serve a purpose and are not just uttered carelessly.
“The angel of the Lord gave this charge to Joshua: This is what the Lord Almighty says: “If you will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.” – Zechariah 3:6-7
Walk in obedience to the Lord and keep his requirements, and by doing this you will be able to lead the way He intends you to. “He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” -Luke 6:39-40 Jesus is our teacher, and who we should desire to want to be like every day.
“As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.” -Acts 10:25-26 Even though I am sharing this knowledge and insight with you throughout this book, just like Peter I am only a man and this is all direction and guidance I need myself. I prayed before witting this book Jesus to guide my hands, words and mouth to share from His word what He wanted with you. He is to be praised. “When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language,
“The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” -Acts 14:11-15
Just like Paul and Barnabas, those of us sharing the word of God are only human as well, with the Holy Spirit guiding us to share with you Jesus’s direction, love and purpose for your life and for eternity when we die. Everything in this world other than people and Christ is worthless if you make them an idol above Him, about Him who made the heavens, earth, sea and everything in them.
“I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” – Romans 15:14 It is good to realize our sin and filth before Christ, but once we have Christ, we can have confidence He alone has made us good, and with this goodness overflows in us the knowledge and competency to help others. I at first hesitated to write this book because I thought “I mess up all the time, who am I to instruct others of their purpose and how to live?!” Then I realized I can have confidence to instruct because of the word of God which we can be confident in, and the Holy Spirit. God uses us as people for His communication all the time and can use my instruction not to act above anyone, but to encourage one another as the salt and light of the earth. “The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction.” -Proverbs 16:23 We can teach others when we acquire wisdom ourselves.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” -1 Corinthians 11:1 and 1 Corinthians 4:16 Paul says to follow his example, imitate him, as he follows the example of Christ. It always goes back to trying to be more like Christ, not like others. I caution you if you have someone you look up to, not to idolize them because they will let you down. There is nothing wrong with looking up to others as a goal for ourselves such as an athlete who may have taken the path we hope to take, a therapist who is a certified hand therapist which was a goal of mine to obtain, or as a mentor or pastor who can guide us, but if you use this individual to make all your life choices instead of Christ, you will be disappointed every time.
“This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come, I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.” -2 Corinthians 13:10 We need to use our leadership positions to build others up and encourage them. This comes with tough love at times, but the motive of your heart should always be that out of the tough love in critiquing others, it is that you want to ultimately build the up, having them know it is because you care.
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” -Ephesians 4:11-13
God has equipped each of us for everything we need to provide service for Him and for others, in order to build one another up.
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, thorough Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” -Hebrews 13:20-21
God has equipped you through his Son Jesus what whatever you need! Self-control, forgiveness, confidence, it is yours through Him! You no longer have an excuse to not pursue whatever it is God has put on your heart. We can always be confident in one, whatever God wants us to do will be accomplished through Him and two, if it is not accomplished, that was not a part of God’s will even if you tried your best but realizing God’s will is always better. If you do fail let’s say you did not pass a boards exam, failed relationship, did not make the team, it does not mean God does not want you to try again as He can use the failure to equip you, or He may be taking you into a different direction.
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” -2 Timothy 4:1-5
1 Peter 4:2-5, Revelation 11:17-18 and Acts 17:29-32 talk about how people do not live for the will of God but for human desires such as debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and idolatry and will heap abuse on you but we all will have to give an account to God who judges the living and the dead. We are told to tell others about the word of God and to be prepared. Correcting, rebuking and encouraging can all be done well together, if done with patience and love. You can correct while still being encouraging. In today’s world, there are many false teachers that people desire to listen to because their teaching match what our sinful nature wants, even though it leads to our destruction. We are to rebuke such teachings, knowing it is out of love for ourselves and others we do so.
“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” -Hebrews 5:12-14
How do we become mature in faith? It is not by how old we are or how much time goes by, but how acquainted we are with the teachings of the word about righteousness, and how we put them into practice. There is a divine wisdom about someone who has done this for a long time. “Therefore, let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.” -Hebrews 6:1 Spiritual maturity is not automatic. It takes effort, but just like the school you wanted to go to, sport you wanted to play or job you wanted to obtain, the effort is worth it. The difference is this relationship in growth with Jesus is beyond any of these passions. It is one for eternity, and the very essence of why we exist, so what better to put effort into?! The crazy thing is you realize once you are all in for Jesus, the effort becomes more natural because He gives you the strength as you lean in closer to Him obeying, praying, and sharing with others the hope you have found.
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” -1 Peter 2:1-3 I have always had Jesus, but my relationship has deepened, and I have matured. While living in the world, we will struggle with deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slandering, but the flame and desire to run toward these things should diminish as we mature, letting them have less of a hold on our lives.
“I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.” -2 Corinthians 7:3-4 “ I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children.” -1 Corinthians 4:14 As a leader, make it clear that your rebuking, correction and encouragement are not to condemn, but because of the pride and joy others bring to you. Not to shame, but to warn out of love.
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” -Hebrews 13:7 We are to look at the leaders in the Bible, or those in our lives, and see the outcome of their faith. We should use them as our example to follow, as long as they are pointing us to Christ. Ultimately, Jesus is our leader. If we make Him just that, you will fulfill your purpose of the leader God has designed you to be. What you learn from Him, put into practice. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” – Philippians 4:9 God will give you peace when you are focused on Him.
