Leadership isn’t always an easy thing. Any leader knows that. Perhaps it’s even harder to be a Christian leader. Why? Because the standards put on you can be exceedingly high. All eyes are on you.
photo credit: gelle.dk (creative commons)
As a leader, you are the quarterback of the team. Each player in the game relies on your wisdom, truth, guidance and correction. Higher expectations quickly become placed on you.
The other team obviously has a target on your back. They don’t want you to play your A-game. But what if your own team members are aiming at the target as well? All eyes are still on you and people are waiting to see what your next step will be. In your role as a leader, this is bound to happen at least once. People aren’t always for you. Unfortunately, there is usually one rotten egg in the bunch.
So what do you do with the rotten egg? Throw it out or step into action?
In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul gives direction on how to live for God each day. I believe there are key components in this passage that direct us to step into action as leaders as well.
Here are six steps to help us live for God and lead others day by day:
1. Imitate Christ’s compassionate, forgiving attitude. (3:12-13)
Will you turn your back on those who turn their backs on you, or will your attitude toward them reflect Christ’s compassion? We are called to show gentle kindness with a dash of patience and humility.
2. Let love guide your life. (3:14)
Not only are we to show them compassion and forgiveness, but we are called to love them. This isn’t always an easy task. I think showing them love in action in this step is far more impactful than simply loving them with words. Do something generous for them. Take them out to lunch. Buy them a massage. Give that employee an extra hour on their lunch break.
3. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. (3:15)
I will be the first to admit that it’s hard to be peaceful when you know someone is against you rather than for you. My insecurities quickly show themselves. I find myself wanting to watch their next move, thinking about who they are talking to, and trying to figure out what their next step is. What good does that do me? I quickly find myself fatigued, anxious, and quickly forgetting there are others around me still needing guidance.
4. Always be thankful. (3:15)
It may feel almost impossible to be thankful for the pain and frustration you may be going through at the moment. I can be quick to say, “Remind me again why I should be thankful.” I heard Joyce Meyer say once, “Ask God to show you the treasure in your trial.” That’s true. Somewhere in the midst of the trial, or perhaps at the end, something great will show up. And it could possibly be something you see in yourself that you wouldn’t have been able to fix had it never happened.
5. Keep God’s Word in you at all times. (3:16)
I can quickly find myself running to a friend or mentor in negative situations before running to God. Not that seeking advice isn’t recommended, but too often than not we forget to run to the right place first – God’s Word. Seek guidance through Him first, and then go to others.
6. Live as Jesus Christ’s representative. (3:17)
I call this being Jesus with skin on. Don’t let others around you just hear what you believe, show them. As the old saying goes, “Walk the walk. Don’t just talk the talk.”
How does your leadership walk look? Do others see compassion, love, gratitude and peace in you? Take an inventory of your life and ask yourself if your faith walk reflects these six steps.
What other steps can you take as a leader to reflect the actions of Christ?
Excellent points! Thank you for the reminders.
thank ya mam!