Our Strength as a Leader

I want to share a message today for leaders. I believe that God has called every person to first be a follower of Jesus and then to be a Christian leader in some area of influence. That does not mean that we will always be the leader of an organization or have a leadership title. It could be a leader in your sphere of influence or in your family at the very least. Here's where we get it backwards. If we are not willing to first be a follower, it's impossible for us to be a Christian leader. You can't lead people where you are not willing to go. All people are called by God's grace to first be a follower of Jesus. Then you have the power to be a Christian leader since you have the gifts of the Spirit living inside of you. With that said, let me share a word about leadership to you.

Joshua 1:9 is a familiar verse, but gives us great insight into Christian leadership. God says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." 

After years of waiting to enter the Promised Land, Joshua is asked to lead the people of God to finally receive that land. Joshua was their new leader because Moses had just passed away. Talk about having to lead one of the most anticipated events in Biblical history as your first mission. Yikes! But notice God's words to Joshua. It's not to "man up" or just have a lot of self-conjured-up courage. The center of Joshua's influence and strength came from the reality of God's presence. God reminded Joshua that he was not alone and that God will go with him wherever he goes. So, leaders, if you are going in the direction of where God is leading you to go, you're not going alone. Let me state again. No matter how hard it seems at times to lead, you are not going alone! Bob Tuttle once said, "God has more invested in your ministry than you do."

A true Christian leader can be strong and courageous when we are intentionally seeking God's presence. Without it, we would not have much strength and courage to stand on. Andy Stanley has often said that as a leader, "It is not your responsibility to fill someone else's cup. Your responsibility is to empty your cup." Seek God to fill up your cup and then do everything to empty your cup for others. Your strength and courage as a leader, to even go where others have never been before, comes from your connection with your Creator, who is unlimited in strength. The world doesn't need more empty or dry leaders. The world is craving Christian leaders who have their cups filled. 

Leaders, ask yourself these questions: "How can I be a better follower and allow God to fill my cup? THEN, how can I pour out my cup to others?" God honors that kind of leader.