Lessons in Leadership
Scripture:
'Then Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, building the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and the Tower of Hananel. People from the town of Jericho worked next to them, and beyond them was Zaccur son of Imri. (Nehemiah 3:1-2)Observation:
This week, Pastor spoke about the importance of purpose, principle, and people. As Christ’s followers, it is so important to know our purpose, and let that drive our everyday steps. I love that the start of building the wall started with the high priests. Don’t miss that. As believers and leaders, we shouldn’t walk around, thinking once we are saved, we can let things happen all around us. If anything, we should be motivated to do more! This week’s sermon led me to evaluate how I lead; in my home, in the ministry team I serve on, as well as my everyday life. I took a hard look at my purpose and how it drives me to be the person I am. My daily mission is to point others to Jesus and allow them to see Him through me- that’s it! I may not be perfect at it, but it’s what drives me everyday. I don’t want to forget that I’m not exempt from God leaving me to my own free will. He’s called me for a purpose, and I took Him up on that calling. I don’t want to lose sight of that. I want to live my life, pointing others to Him; not by shouting how awesome I am, that I did that nice thing for that person; or making someone feel bad about struggling with something that, if I’m honest, I struggle with, too. I want Him to use me as His hands and feet, to build His Kingdom. I want to serve with a genuinely humble heart, knowing that I am on the best mission. I also have to remember that the way I carry myself, and the way I treat people, is showing others how a believer should live. I pray I never lose sight of that. I want everything I do to give Him the glory; not me! Because at the end of the day, I am who I am because of Him, not the other way around. Application:
I encourage you to sit with God in prayer more often. I find that, when I am straying from my calling, or I am struggling with something, I know I need to spend time with Him. If you write, start a prayer journal and write your prayers to Him. It’s like a letter to your best friend. If writing is not your thing, sit alone with Him and pray. Ask Him to highlight what you need to work on to better serve Him. Ask Him to show you the gift He blessed you with, and how you can use it to serve others. Think about how you can help to build His Kingdom everyday. It doesn’t have to be an “in your face” mission. The best blessings came from the things I’ve done in the background. Please know, you’re important to His mission, no matter where you serve, and how “in the background” it is. He sees you, and that’s what matters! Prayer:
Lord, thank you for this great calling. Thank you for allowing us to serve you in the way we live our lives. Thank you for blessing us with a pastor who leads alongside us. I pray that you speak to each of us individually, equipping us with what we need, to glorify you in all that we do. Take the spotlight away from us, so it can be pointed to you. Remind us that we get to do this because you called us! Don’t let us lose sight of you being the center of everything. Thank you for the ways you will use us to point others to you. We love you, and you deserve all our praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.