Random thoughts on leadership . . .

What the heck is leadership ? Is leadership a biblical concept ? Maybe it is false concept of modernity that needs to be done away with ? Maybe it is a solid concept that has been misused.

Some random thoughts:

The basis of leadership in our lives is influence. We are leaders in the capacity we influence people toward Jesus our King and His kingdom.

Leadership within a Christian context is being who you are as you abide in Him. It is who we are in Christ.

Finding who we are in Christ is a lifelong pursuit of His heart. This is the true biblical hermeneutic (way of interpreting scripture). It is finding out what is Gods heart in what the
bible says. That heart is reflected in God's son Jesus Christ. It is finding God's heart in the decisions we make. It is finding Gods heart in how and when we influence people's lives.

It is God's choice on how we influence others.

I'm convinced as we learn to walk in humility and submission to
God's heart and His ways, influence is the natural outcome of that. This influence will look different for all of us. It has to do with the gift that we are to the body, and the call that is upon us to glorify His name.

Influence can not be found in copying someone else's style. It can't happen by following someone else's pattern of influence.

Influence can be found by learning how to be in relationship with the Father. It can be encouraged by seeing godly principles operate in others lives and seeing how to know Gods heart in those principles.

Postmodernisms answer to the consumerism of the modern age is being organic. But in my mind even though I see the faultiness of the modern mindset, I recognize the answer is not in having a postmodern mindset. The answer is in developing more fully a living relationship with the Lord Jesus and allowing the overflow from that relationship transform our minds and our hearts and our emotions and our past. The previous statement is not a formula for success. I am so tired of the church coming up with formulas for success. I don't want to be sold a formula. I've tried many and all leave me lacking. What I want is more, more of Him, more communication with Him (Jesus), more thinking like He thinks, more drinking in what He drinks in. And I believe that more of Him is attainable, not as a one time more experience, but as a journey of more of Him as I live. That is truly organic.

Jesus heart in leadership is:
1. That the Father may be glorified. This was the intent of Jesus heart in being who He was on the earth. It is significant to recognize that Jesus never did any miracles for himself. The miracles were that the Father would be glorified. "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord." (1Cor 1:31) & "The first commandment, And you shall love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mark 12:29)

leadership is not exerting our control upon a situation. It is not our wisdom on how to deal with a situation.

Leadership according to the kingdom is not a title. It is not an appointed position. It is a lifestyle that flows out of relationship with Christ.

Influence on others is not a stamp of approval on all the actions of the influencing person. Just because someone has an arena of influence does not mean they have mastery over all areas of their own life. We need the whole body. Lone followers of Christ is an oxymoronic phrase.
we can not follow Christ on our own. We need the others parts of the body to function, to be on a healthy journey following Christ.

There are so many others aspects of true leadership and and a biblical defintion, but sleep is upon me.