The Word of God should be the rule, the standard for everything we are and do. What we believe, how we think, and how we act should be governed by our biblical framework.
1. Brokenness
A DESPERATE NEED FOR GOD:
"Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
Brokenness is a conscious, core awareness that you need God in everything.
For a Christian leader, brokenness is a dear friend, and pride is the enemy.
There is always a gap between what you have and what God wants done.
SURRENDERING TO GOD:
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." Proverbs 11:2
Surrender is the leader's response to brokenness.
Effective Christian leadership is sustained by surrender.
FALLING INTO SIN:
"Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12
When a leader operates from a position of brokenness, he realizes he is capable of sinful failure...you are one decision away from losing the ability to lead.
THE STRENGTH OF WEAKNESS:
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
Leaders are always in over their heads.
Inadequacy is always associated with anything God calls us to do.
SEASONS OF BROKENNESS:
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you." 1 Peter 5:6
No leader walks with a strut—they always walk with a limp.
God uses brokenness as a tool to prepare you for the assignments He has for you.
2. Uncommon Communion
HIS RESOURCES:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives it generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." James 1:5
It is in those seasons of seeking Him and crying out to Him for His direction and solutions that we tap into His power and we cultivate a deep heart connection with the God of the assignment and the God of our souls. He calls us to plummet to the depths of intimacy with Him—that is uncommon communion.
HIS PRESENCE:
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" Psalm 105:4
Christian leadership is all about doing what God wants done.
Fight to maintain the discipline of regularly entering God's presence to get His heart and mind concerning what He wants us to do and how He wants us to do it.
3. Servanthood as an Identity
AUTHENTIC HUMILTY:
"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3
Humility is the intentional recognition that God is everything to you, and that you are nothing without Him. It is the acknowledgement that life is not about you, and that the needs of other are more important than yours.
THE DIGNITY OF SERVING:
"Jesus...laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." John 13:3-5
THE POWER OF SACRIFICE:
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:6-7
Leadership is a calling.
Are you willing to sacrifice yourself in order to serve those who serve you?
It is in dying to self for the right reasons that you find yourself and experience life to the fullest.
4. Radical, Immediate Obedience
STAYING IN THE GAME:
"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24
Biblical leadership is characterized by radical, immediate obedience.
Obedience acknowledges the supremacy of God over all things.
ENDURING THE CHALLENGE:
"They all wanted to frighten us, thinking, 'Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.' But now O God, strengthen my hands." Nehemiah 6:9
See it through! Courage is complete obedience in the face of opposition.
THE LEGACY OF FAITHFULNESS:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a could of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1
A long obedience in the same direction is sustained by the small choices we make each day. Be aware of the cumulative nature of our little choices.
Hardship and difficulties are part of the leader's portfolio.
THE POWER AND AUTHORITY TO LEAD COMES FROM GOD. HIS WAY IS BROKENNESS, UNCOMMON COMMUNION, SERVANTHOOD AS AN IDENTITY AND RADICAL, IMMEDIATE OBEDIENCE.
