The first aspect of effective leadership is that it must be earned. Very few people are born with the rights and credentials to walk into a leadership position without that position being sought after and earned. Same thing goes for each of us as Spiritual Leaders. Now, before we go any farther, let me clarify what I mean by Spiritual Leader. Ultimately, we should, as Christians, all be Spiritual leaders. Whether you are a husband, a wife, a mother or father; whether your leadership position is within the church, or in the corporate world; whatever and wherever you find yourself in a position of leadership, you should be a Spiritual leader. To be an effective leader, one that will lift Christ and bring others closer to Him, we must be led by the Spirit, and by the principles and understandings we find in Scripture. So you, as a corporate boss, should lead under the principles set forth in the Word of God, and by the constant guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life, and your role as a husband, father, wife, mother, etc. should all fall under this guidance as well. Now, can you image how much easier it would be, as leaders, if we all led like Christ led.
With that in mind, let's get back to our first point, that leadership must be earned. You and I must prove ourselves as leaders, and earn the respect of others in order for them to follow our leadership. For a spiritual leader, this can be simplified into the two greatest commandments: To first love the Lord with everything we have, and to second, love our neighbors as ourselves. You see, according to Scripture, leadership is driven by a love for God and for His people. An effective leader must have an active, growing relationship with the Lord. Prayer is a must, and an insatiable hunger for the Word of God. For it is there that you will find the power and strength to "press on" daily for the Lord. Also, if you want to lead like Jesus led, you have to love like Jesus loved. Look on others with compassion, with grace, with understanding, and seek to guide them in the areas they seem to struggle in. I promise you, love those whom the Lord has graciously placed under your leadership, and you will find a group of people who will follow with a smile on their face, and a hard work ethic in their heart.
With that in mind, let's get back to our first point, that leadership must be earned. You and I must prove ourselves as leaders, and earn the respect of others in order for them to follow our leadership. For a spiritual leader, this can be simplified into the two greatest commandments: To first love the Lord with everything we have, and to second, love our neighbors as ourselves. You see, according to Scripture, leadership is driven by a love for God and for His people. An effective leader must have an active, growing relationship with the Lord. Prayer is a must, and an insatiable hunger for the Word of God. For it is there that you will find the power and strength to "press on" daily for the Lord. Also, if you want to lead like Jesus led, you have to love like Jesus loved. Look on others with compassion, with grace, with understanding, and seek to guide them in the areas they seem to struggle in. I promise you, love those whom the Lord has graciously placed under your leadership, and you will find a group of people who will follow with a smile on their face, and a hard work ethic in their heart.
