59. Spiritual Leadership IX
D. MINISTRY AND PRIDE
BEWARE! "Pride goes before destruction" Prov.16:18
Few things are more destructive in ministry for Christ, than pride and arrogance in it's many forms. Some examples are:‑
Pride in interpreting and expounding God's word
God may use us as channels to relay His revelation, but we must never get caught up in taking the credit for ourselves. We should rather be thankful to Him for using us. If we don't, eventually pride corrupts and distorts our view of ourselves, and in our eyes we become elevated to a position of absolute authority. We will become rigid and unteachable, and this will place us on very shaky ground. Not only will we disqualify ourselves from ministry in Jesus' name, but we will give the devil a foothold, (EPH.4:27), where he can control our lives and ministry.
NOTE: We are servants, ministering God's grace to God's people ‑ and that's a privilege.
Pride in being sought out by those in need
To be sought out by those in need is one of the greatest privileges and honours we can receive in ministering for Jesus. However, the gratitude shown to us and the joy we experience can give birth to a subtle pride that makes us think we really are quite wonderful, maybe even important, and perhaps even indispensable to others in the Kingdom of God. This attitude is nothing more than arrogance, and is at enmity with God.
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ROM 12:3 |
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. |
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GAL 6:3‑4 |
If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else. |
E. LEADING PEOPLE
Leading God's people is a privilege, and must never be taken for granted. When we lead or minister, we do so on behalf of Jesus, and thus have an awesome responsibility. This, however, is to be done in awe of Him who has called and commissioned us to lead. When we lose the awe of God, we are in danger of arrogantly rushing in to fill the vacuum. When we cease to be learners, we cease to become teachers. "Awe" is the same thing the Old Testament calls "fear", meaning "reverence and respect."
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PROV 1:7 |
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” |
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PROV 9:10 |
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” |
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PROV 14:27 |
“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.” |
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PROV 15:33 |
“The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” |
Therefore, we minister and lead in God's conclusions, God's answers and God's counsel.
Let us always remember that we lead people with the servant/shepherd model of leadership. Our leadership is invited and not imposed. We gain credibility through leading by example, where our leadership is not something theoretical only.
When we lead, we always look for ways of putting those whom we lead in touch with God. They must not build a dependence on us, but God. We must not forget that we are only channels and vessels of God's heavenly treasure. The privilege we have in leading others, is to constantly put them in touch with the source of the "heavenly treasure", IE. our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ.
In the process of leading others we will invariably end up counselling them. When we counsel them, we must apply the golden rule of counseling, and that is "be a good listener!" Remember, avoid at all costs our “pet theories”, and always lead and give advice with the whole counsel of God in mind. Our aim is to always look for God's perfect will to be accomplished, and not our preconceived ideas and theories.
When we lead, counsel or minister, our authority is always God's word. We appeal to it, and call people to respond to it, and not to what we say. This will result in people rising up to the challenge God gives them in His word, and if they have an argument, it's not with us, but with God.
This is especially pertinent when correcting or confronting people.
The Holy Spirit, in counseling and comforting us, seeks to reveal the truth of God's word, and to glorify Jesus. When we lead others we must do exactly the same.
WHY TEAM LEADERSHIP
It is the biblical, God chosen, pattern, Eg:
Jesus ministered with a team of 12 disciples
Paul always travelled in a team on his missionary journeys.
There is safety in a team, because there is mutual accountability. ie. no loose cannons on deck.
There is strength in unity. ECCL 4:9‑12; DEUT 32:30; LEV 26:8.
There is anointing on unity, PSALM 133.
In a team, complimentary gifting will exist, and because of this, the ministry potential will be that much stronger and comprehensive.
Through team leadership we will have the opportunity to train new leaders, ie. "on the job training". We all have a responsibility to perpetuate and continue the ministry we are involved in. When we leave, it must not die. Paul trained a "Timothy." Who are we training as our "Timothy" ?
TEAM PRINCIPLES
Loyalty, commitment, dependability and faithfulness.
Keep the spirit of unity, working at it and for it. EPH 4:3,13.
Constantly maintain a team spirit mentality.
"Friends first, then function." The strength and success of the ministry of the team depends on the solid foundation of the relationships of those on the team.
Pray constantly for each other.
Love one another, preferring one another in love. ROM. 12:10
Look for ways to affirm the other team members, especially when they have made mistakes.
Be real, handle conflict and confrontation biblically MATT 5:23,24; MATT 18:15 17.
WORKING UNDER AUTHORITY IN A TEAM
MATT. 8:8‑9 The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
The safest and most powerful place of ministry, is when we operate as those UNDER AUTHORITY. Accountability works both upwards and downwards.
SUBMITTING TO THE VISION OF THE LEAD PERSON
Find out the vision of the local body we are committed to.
Support and promote that vision, by integrating it into the fibre of that area of ministry that we are involved with.
We need to lay down any conflicting vision we may have. If our vision is from God it will eventually come to pass.
Affirm those who envision, with our support.
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An excellent example of leadership David, 1Sam. 30:1-26