LEADERSHIP - LESSON THREE

                                                   The Value Of Leadership   

   You will need your Bible and a pen & notebook to complete these lessons. You should be able to copy and paste these outlines to your word processor and print them without difficulty if you so desire. We recommend you record in your note book deep thoughts or questions that may arise as you study, and certainly record all things God reveals to your heart. Look over these notes frequently and use them even as you pray. God will cause you to grow in wisdom and understanding. Keep your note book with you throughout the day as much

as possible to record all God reveals to you and to review the things you have learned.

   We also recommend you make a habit of memorizing a scripture each week. This not only helps get the Word deep in your heart, but is also an excellent mental exercise.

The Value Of Leadership

   Many attend churches worldwide every week. Many will go to a bible study class to learn more from Gods Word. Some even travel extensively to prophetic seminars and meetings in order to hear what God is saying. These things can all be helpful, but were never designed by God as a source of personal direction for individuals. Each person must develop their own relationship with our heavenly Father and an ear to hear his voice. Leadership is never to be a replacement for hearing from heaven, but an extension of God’s hand and provision, designed to direct people to God.

   In business leaders are often those who design the parameters of each individuals job, and set the wage ceiling. They will sometimes accept input from others, but ultimately make all the final decisions for all those under them. Although some are easy to work with, many use their authority and position harshly. In the world of business the value of a leader is measured by production, with little regard for personality. Heaven’s measuring stick is quite different than the worlds. Today we will see this isn’t the same as Jesus view of leadership. We can see Jesus approach to leadership in Matthew 20:25-26: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet, it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant.”

Traits of a Valuable Leader

1. Good leaders point to Jesus.

- A leader that knows God takes no personal credit for accomplishments.

John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing".

2. Godly leaders are more comfortable serving than being served.

- A good leader is there for you.

Matt 20:25-28 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." 

John 15:12-13 "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down ones life for his friends."

3. Our choice of leaders will reflect in who we become.

Luke 6:40 "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher."

4. A good leader is recognizable.

Luke 6:43-45 "For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by it's own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

5. Good leaders stay focused.

Luke 21:34-36" But take head to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and stand before the Son of Man

Conclusion: Honoring godly leadership is fine. They are there to help you get know God. The true value of a Godly leader is immeasurable, as the effects of their work are often eternal. Nonetheless we are not to be those who overly focus our attention toward our leaders, nor are we to desire attention for ourselves, but are always to quickly direct all glory to Jesus, and ultimately follow Him. As leaders ourselves, we are to help and encourage others to develop their relationship with Him, even if it costs us something. That is true leadership in God’s eyes.