Tuesday, June 9, 2009

To Lead or Not to Lead


I believe leadership is one of my spiritual gifts.  (Notice I said "I believe."  Others may disagree that I'm any good at it :).  There is something about rallying the troops, surging forward and inspiring others that really energizes me.  Plus, most of my life I have been looked to as a natural leader by my peers.

Let's reflect on this concept of "natural leader" for a minute.  I don't think leadership is something we necessarily choose.  I guess with certain projects and tasks we can choose, but overall, a lifetime of leadership isn't really a choice.  It is something God has placed within in order to accomplish Kingdom Work.  What a thrill!  It's receiving our orders directly from the One in charge and carrying them out.  All this to reiterate, I don't think leadership is a choice.  People will follow us or they won't.  We certainly can't make them.  And sometimes we may not even want them to.  But it's not really our choice.  It's God's.

I have a lot to learn about leadership.  Not long ago when I sensed leadership was one of my spiritual gifts, I was volunteering to lead everything.  From Bible studies to mission trips to softball teams.  God used these experiences to teach me that I still have much to learn!  You see, I thought I was fully equipped.  But God clearly showed me that learning to lead is a life-long process.

Servant leadership is really what it's all about.  It's at the heart of Scripture.  It's how Jesus led.  Truthfully, servant leadership is where the rubber meets the road.  Are we laying down our lives for others?  Are we practicing what we teach as a leader?  Honestly, these are tough ones for me.  I have been in a contemplative state for a while regarding servant leadership.  How can I effectively lead others if I'm not willing to lay down my life for them?  Furthermore, how can I lead others in matters that I'm not practicing myself?  (ie discipline, spiritual growth, compassion)

Yes indeed.  I have a lot to learn.  I am comforted though in the fact that it is a life-long process.

GrantJ


1 comment:

  1. It's Ryan, Grant I am very proud of you that you know that God is telling you something. Please continue Grant and goods will be in store for you. how? By prayer. Just Wait and he will respond. You will never be forgotten in my life. No way!!

    ~Your Friend, Ryan Mai-Do the weatherkid for Fox25

    Hope to see you in the future.

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