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Gift of Leadership
Gift of Leadership
Before Jesus formed the early church he had a group of twelve apostles with him for three years.
He taught these disciples and trained them to become an effective leaders.
Even these disciples had a wrong picture of leadership. Before they were taught they valued praise and honor. John and Jacob made a request with regards to their leadership. (Mark 10:35)
But Jesus rejected this request…..
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles regulate laws and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you, instead who wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”(Mark 10: 42-44)
Here we can see how Jesus is very clear to his disciples about the qualities of a true leader.
Today, most leaders have rejected these qualities. They count on their position rather than their gifts.
A Christian leader should never seek his or her personal gain.
Leader mean a servant, otherwise there will be confusion and division amongst people.
The word “leads” in Greek means “before” and “stand”.
Therefore a leader means someone who stands in front. And be able to respond to his congregation when his attention is needed. Who will be willing to help those in need, not only because you can get something out of it.
What Are The Common Concept Of A leader:-
The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not
rude. Be kind, but not weak. Be bold,
but not a bully. Be thoughtful, but not lazy. Be humble
but not timid. Be proud, but not arrogant. Have humor, but without folly.
Sometimes those who need it the most are inclined the least.
My mentor said. “Let’s go do it” NOT “You go do it.
” How powerful when someone says. “Let’s!”
Sometimes when a leader does not have a right understanding of his leadership he can become a failure. He can become ineffective.
Let's analyze for a minute some of the concepts of a leader.
1. Some think that the gift of leadership comes with position. Most of them think this is true. Some become leaders through vote or election. Therefore leaders in most churches are not gifted for leadership. Leadership does not depend on position but on the gift.
2. Some become leaders due to personality
The outward appearance does not qualify for leadership. The personality also does not count in leadership.
Timothy is a young man who came to the forefront and served. Although he was not a leader yet, he had good relationship with people around him. Paul encouraged him due to this and said “For this reason I remind you to fan the flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying of hands”
(2 Tim 1:6-7)
We can think that Timothy was someone who was shy, but Paul selected him to go to the Philippian Church.
We can think that Timothy was someone who was shy, but Paul selected him to go to the Philippian Church.
“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him who takes a genuine interest in your welfare… because…. He served with me in the work of the gospel.” (Philp 2:19 – 22)
Likewise there was a problem about sending someone to the church at Thessalonia.
“We sent Timothy who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of
Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” (1 Thess 3:2)
3. Some give leadership to those who have the ability to
talk. The gift of Prophecy does not always come with the gift of leadership. When the great leader Moses, went to Egypt, God sent Aaron to talk on his behalf.
4. Everyone that leads does not have the gift of leadership.
Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” (1 Thess 3:2)
3. Some give leadership to those who have the ability to
talk. The gift of Prophecy does not always come with the gift of leadership. When the great leader Moses, went to Egypt, God sent Aaron to talk on his behalf.
4. Everyone that leads does not have the gift of leadership.
“It was he who he gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers…” - (Eph 4 : 11 – 13)
Ezekiel in the Old Testament prophesies saying prophesy to shepherds:
“Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves should not shepherds take care of the flocks?” (Ezekiel 34:2)
God rebukes the shepherds for their unfaithfulness and also shows the shepherds their responsibilities
They should feed their flock. Make the weak strong and heal the sick. Bind the wounds of the broken and bring back those driven away and seek the lost (34:4) they should lead them in tenderness (34:5) and protect them from the wild animals.
Jesus Christ as we know is the Chief shepherd. (1 Peter 5:4)
The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep and the
sheep recognize him.
sheep recognize him.
1 Pet 5: 1-3, In this verse shows the elders the proper function of a shepherd.
"So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock to be witnesses of Christ's sufferings.
Also Paul warns the elders of Ephesus to safeguard their flock from deceitful teaching.
(Acts 20:28-31)
"Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God,which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears."
Though we all like to witness to others we all do not have the gift of witnessing. Likewise we all get instances where we have to lead e.g. Mother over her children, husband in his
family. We all lead at some point or the other but that does not mean that we have the gift to lead.
family. We all lead at some point or the other but that does not mean that we have the gift to lead.
All I know is, there is nothing impossible through Christ who strengthens me. I know I should be sensitive on the leading of the Holy Spirit to be able to walk in the path of His righteousness. But with our human weaknesses, it does not always happen that way. When our focus is diverted to something else and becomes not of Christ, we can surely get lost and start to sink with our faith, because its only through Christ who can give us the strength to stand and help us to grow with our faith.
We should not use our gift against God in the Church to entertain and be the focus of attention, or other wise you just use the Church as a ground of entertainment to let yourself become an idol before God. When all of us should come to Him in great humility as empty vessels getting ready to receive the fullness of God.. Or otherwise, if we can't feel His presence there, then what's the point? All the glory and honor belongs to Him, and Him alone!
We should not use our gift against God in the Church to entertain and be the focus of attention, or other wise you just use the Church as a ground of entertainment to let yourself become an idol before God. When all of us should come to Him in great humility as empty vessels getting ready to receive the fullness of God.. Or otherwise, if we can't feel His presence there, then what's the point? All the glory and honor belongs to Him, and Him alone!
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