Tag: Fruit of the Spirit

Christian Leadership Principles into Secular Roles

This morning I continue my study into Spiritual Leadership and have been led to the similarities and differences of Christian Leadership and Secular Leadership. This is a fascinating comparison that has many facets, yet this morning I cover(ed) one of them. The question in my reading from MasterWork this morning that generated the most thought was this: “Do leadership principles found in secular writing and seminars apply to work done in God’s kingdom?” and pastors will go with, “Will these same principles work for me as I lead my church?”

My answer to these questions is yes. Principles to leadership are translatable from one role to another. It is the need according to the LORD or the world that has to be addressed and the direction and outcome expected in each. I do believe that when applied to the need and the direction and outcome are considered, what is used in one role, say pastor, can be used in another role, say CEO.

Here is the thing, it is leadership principles of the LORD that should be emulated in the world, not the other way around. As I read and wrote on before, the church is filled with “leaders” that were not formally “taught” to lead. They did not receive a book or a course on true leadership in seminary, or did they?

The greatest leader of all time was, JESUS. Think about it. Jesus took men and women from all walks of life and over the course of three years, led them to take over His work in this world. They would go from place to place and apply the fruit of the Spirit wherever and with whomever they came in contact with. They were filled by the Spirit and let it shine from themselves to the world.

“22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

The principles above are from the LORD and not from the world. We see secular leaders in the world who introduce these principles as being great, and leaders, even pastors, all over gravitate to them. There is this belief that somehow these secular leaders have “cracked the code” of what real leadership is and all over, are looking to these secular leaders and “their” revealed secrets.

Thing is, a good number of these secular leaders, found these principles in their walk with the LORD and that is something that all are not aware. S. Truett Cathy, who founded Chick-fil-a is a devout Christian and even closed his businesses on Sunday’s to demonstrate that. Ken Blanchard, writer and professor, is very open with his faith. Stephen Covey, educator and writer, pulled directly from the principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Notice the above paragraph theme, some of the most espoused secular leadership principles, have their grounding in the teachings of the LORD. These principles are widely used and carried out in the secular world and yet they come from the LORD (not here to discuss the merits of different religions). So the questions in the first paragraph are proven to be answered as yes, the principles of the secular leadership world will work in the church, as that is where they originated.

“5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

– Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Where are you getting your leadership principles? Are you leaning on the secular world’s writing and teaching? What if you went to the source and applied the Christian principles everywhere?

Good Works are Coming, Be Ready

I never know when I am going to have the opportunity to witness to and influence someone. I may not even know in the moment or unless they indicate that to me later. Recently someone reached out to me, out of the blue, asking for my thoughts on a particular subject, I provided my thoughts and then she told me she appreciated the learning I had provided her. I asked what it was and she proceeded to tell me. Now it is something that I indicate all the time and have not been told of the impact it has on others until this time. I was taken aback in the moment as I was finally recognized for the impact even as I did not even know of the impact.

All of the above is to again say that we really do not know when we are going to have the opportunity to impact another, and sometimes the work we do that seems to go unnoticed actually has a profound impact. I have to be ready for those moments and stay with the works for Christ, round the clock.

“1Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,” — Titus 3:1 (ESV)

Paul, speaking to Titus, indicates that we are to be at the ready at all times. The good works that are presented to us may come on quickly and if we are not ready, we may miss that which God has planned for us to complete. I have accepted Christ and been justified, now is the time for me to do the work and that will require for me to be seeking it out and ready for when it is presented.

I have to prepare. I know, if I don’t know what the work is, how can I prepare? I have to stick to the basics and that is to be aware and be the example of Christ at every turn. I have to live out the fruit of the Spirit in all that I do and that is where my preparation lies.

“22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” — Galatians 5:22-26 (ESV)

Paul again indicates to be ready with the fruit of the Spirit. In doing so, we are able to “keep in step with the Spirit” and align ourselves with the work that God has for us. We will be ready to take on that which is presented and do so more as Christ would and be the example for others to see.

What is your approach to what is to come? Are you just working from moment to moment and waiting for the next thing to drop? What if you were to prepare, knowing the next work will be coming soon and when it does, you are ready to do the work of/for Christ?