During uncertain times like these, leadership is needed, especially servant leadership. If you are a leader, your role is to guide and not force others toward a direction or decision in a manner that leaves them feeling empowered and accomplished. John Quincy Adams said, “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
In your leadership role, do you complain because someone has disappointed you? Are you keeping score when it comes to initiating phone calls or upset because you feel like you give more than you get? Many leaders experience all these things and more. Know this, you will have close friends who will let you down just when you need them the most, but do not be discouraged, that comes with leadership.
Those you count on can often prove to be unreliable and immature. But do not be discouraged, that goes with being a leader. Have your efforts been doubted? Have you been denied a promotion that you thought you deserved? Do not be discouraged, that, too, is part of being a leader. From a biblical perspective, the Lord was a servant leader who forgave and loved unconditionally. The Lord loved people not because they were worthy of his love, but because his love made them worthy. Love and forgiveness go with being a good leader.
In knowing God, evangelist J.I. Packer wrote, “There is tremendous relief in knowing that God’s love for me is based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst in me. No discovery can disillusion Him in the way I am often so disillusioned about myself or quench His determination to bless me. There is great cause for humility in the thought that He sees all the twisted things about me that others do not see. Indeed, He see more corruption in me than I see in myself. Yet He wants to be my friend and desires to be my friend. So, before you react in anger, remember God’s grace.”
When you feel tested as a leader, ask yourself, how would the Lord handle your situation? You have the lead and you know how to lead; so be encouraged and take advantage of your leadership position by showing your compassion toward humanity. Do not be discouraged but rather be encouraged and encouraging and be the best leader possible. Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
