CALLED TO LEAD?

“Therefore, I am filled with joy at his (Christ’s) success.  He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” John 3:29 b, 30 NLT

From time to time God may call us to step out and lead.  Whether we have done this many times before or this is our first time, here are a few thoughts we might consider.

Jesus Christ came, not only to save us, but to model a life-style filled with and led by the Holy Spirit.  He came to serve and not to be served.  In living and leading like Jesus we will be most effective in fulfilling our destinies and bringing the Kingdom of God to earth. (John 13:15)

Jesus knew why he was on earth and the purpose of his leadership. He was secure in his identity and grounded in his motivation for ministry.  In John 6:38 Jesus says, “For I have come down from Heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” Do you believe what God’s Word tells you about your new identity in Christ and understand what God is calling you to accomplish? As you assume leadership, ask the Lord to align your will with his, and to give you the ability to do it. (Phil.2:13) Trust in the power of the Holy Spirit at work in you and through you.

In John 15:19,20 Jesus told his disciples, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing.  Whatever the Father does, the Son does also.  For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing.”  You are God’s daughter.  He loves you and wants to show you what he is doing so you can join him in it.  Often, we can be drawn off course in our leadership by giving too much weight to the desires of those we serve, over the will of and relationship with the One who sent us to serve. The more our relationship with Jesus grows stronger and we are able to hear God better and recognize where he is moving, the more we will experience encouraging results in our ministry. 

Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest man born of a woman.  John was also a strong leader.  John the Baptist knew he was to prepare the way for Christ’s Kingdom to come to earth.  He realized that to do that he had to magnify the Lord Jesus, cause people to recognize him as the Christ, and not worry so much about what others thought of him personally.  We would do well to follow his example.  In John 3 (above) he is quoted saying, “Therefore, I am filled with joy at his (Christ’s) success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”

If we are to share in ministry with those who have gone before us, we would be wise to remember that we need not worry about how good we will look or how we will be received, but rather concentrate on making Jesus Christ look good and give him all the praise and glory.  We succeed in leadership as we become invisible in order to allow Jesus to shine through us.

Pray with me: Father God, thank you for giving me opportunities to partner with you in ministry.  Forgive me when I make it all about me, how good I look, and allow fear to rob me of the joy.  Please, multiply my faith, strengthen my relationship with you and equip me to accomplish all that you have created me to do.  I love you, Lord Jesus.  May your name be magnified through me.  Amen.

Dear friend, may God fill you with his peace and joy each time he calls you to step out to speak, serve and fight for him and his Kingdom.  May you grow closer to Jesus and more confident in the Holy Spirit each time.  Be expectant and claim the truth that you are valuable and dearly loved.  Amen.
Mary Sumner
July 5, 2019