16 December 2020

I am reading a book about developing spiritual leadership, and have taken a lot from it this week.

When I think about spiritual leaders in the Bible, many come to mind; Jesus, Moses, Deborah, Paul, Samson, Abraham, etc. contradictory, the word 'servant' is used numerous times rather than 'leader' throughout the Bible. The term servant generally means something of low prestige, low honor, and low class; however, Jesus used this as another word for greatness. Jesus's leadership and teaching was revolutionary.

His kingdom is filled with those who serve others (Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”). For a lot of people in our society, serving others is more of an afterthought rather than an everyday mindset, and in order to be a leader in the Kingdom, we have to put this thought first (Mark 10:43-44"...whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all).

We are all chosen by God to be leaders, teachers, whatever you want to call it, to share the good news (John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit").

Our lives should pattern Jesus's.

Servanthood and leadership go hand in hand, displaying commitment to the covenant the Father has made with us. Jesus was the perfect example of what it looks like to be a spiritual leader. We should be dependent on Him, becoming less of ourselves and more in the likeness of Him (Phil. 2:7 "rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.."). We should seek approval by God, and fear the disapproval by Him. Leaders in the Kingdom should exert modesty; unlike the so-called leaders that we see today (Isaiah 42:2 "He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets"). So many 'leaders' reek of arrogance and self-righteousness, and we should take strides to change that. Our work should be done quietly and unobtrusively by doing the little things right, and leading by example. Leaders should be sympathetic towards other's circumstances, showing empathy and Christ's love. Most of all however, a leader is anointed by God. In order to do His work effectively, we have to know and be known by Him (Isaiah 42:1 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him,").

Leadership=influence.

Being a leader in AOII, on campus, as an older sister, a cousin, and a friend, I know that eyes are constantly on me... so how do I want to influence?

All my life I have led by example more than anything, and this year my goal is to become more of a vocal leader. This will require me to step out of my comfort zone, but I am confident that God will equip me with the tools that I need. I am allowing Him to work through me so that I am able to lead others.

"If we are not walking, no one can be following" -Spiritual Leadership

We can talk the talk all day long, but it means nothing if we don’t walk the walk. As leaders we should be guiding others as we go through our own walk. Lately I've been feeling convicted to share His love with others, and live my life in such a way that there is no question as to Whom I stand for. I'm not sure if this means using my leadership in AOII to encourage girls to further their walk, or something far beyond that; but I am leaving it in God's hands. Where He says go, I will go.