The Love of Leadership

"And there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done"
Judges 2:10

God has called each believer to love one another. Our love for one another is the sign of our relationship to Him (John 13:35). Associated with the command of loving one another is the theme of Leadership. Every believer has been given some sphere of influence and within that influence there is the Scriptural mandate to be a leader. In the sphere of the family, we see a mandate given to both parents and grandparents (Deuteronomy 6:6-12; Deuteronomy 4:9). The Lord Jesus in His Great Commission clearly stated that all are to be concerned with the making of disciples, which requires that we lead new believers (Matthew 28:19-20). Paul would stress in his epistles the importance of passing along what has been given to us to others that they might in turn follow in our steps and do likewise (2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:1-8). Therefore, we conclude that part of our love for one another must include leading those who have been placed under our care.

If we are going to effectively love through leadership, there are a few important truths that we must keep before us. First, leadership is most effective when it is demonstrated. The weakest form of leadership is verbal. The ones who are following us need to see that we model the things that we teach. That is precisely what Paul meant when he said "be thou an example of the believers" (1 Timothy 4:12). Second, a good leader is one that is faithful (2 Timothy 4:7). A loving leader understands that the greatest deterrent to the spiritual growth of those under his care is the lack of faithfulness of his part. Finally, leadership is best received when tempered with humility (1 Peter 5:1-3).

We have before us a great opportunity and a great responsibility. God has given to all of us a sphere of influence. Now we must in return lovingly lead them in the ways of God that they might know, love, and serve Him always.

Pastor Bateman