I think it would be appropriate to start this leadership blog off with a quote from one of the greatest leaders of our time, Michael Scott.
“I saved a life today. My own. Am I a hero? I really can’t say, but yes.”
Just like Michael Scott, I want to look at some other men that we can learn from. Leadership lessons from the Bible by men of the Bible. Leadership is influence, let’s take a look at a couple of men that I hope will have some influence on us to increase our leadership in our home, our work, our church, and our community.
Paul: In Acts 13:47 it says “I have appointed you as a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth” – Paul never thought of himself highly. He was a servant, committed to a specific meaningful mission. Paul also had the courage to face opposition, run his race, and continue in his call through hardships and trials. He knew his call and he obeyed it.
Leadership Lesson: Push Through Hardships – Leaders Have Passion.
Peter: Here is a man that was a disciple of Jesus yet denies even knowing Him. Jesus predicted this even though Peter insisted he would never deny Jesus, even to death. He failed. In Acts 2, we see Peter giving the first sermon after Jesus’ ascension into heaven – thousands of people were there and many gave their lives to the Lord. Peter is leading people toward Jesus after he denied Him in front of just a few days earlier.
Leadership Lesson: When You Fall, Get Up! Leaders Recover from Failure.
David: We all know this story. David, a small shepherd boy who can’t even fit into the armor provided for him has to fight the 9-foot tall giant- Goliath. Goliath mocks him but David replies “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, whom you have taunted”. He takes a stone, slings it at Goliath, hits him in the forehead, and knocks him to the ground dead.
Leadership Lesson: You Will Face Challenges, but Leaders Are Not Afraid of Giants.
Jesus: There are so many leadership lessons in the life of Jesus. The one I keep going back to is simple. He washes His disciple’s feet. Such a powerful illustration of the life of our Savior. The best leaders don’t demand that you follow, demand your respect, or require your obedience. The best leaders focus on serving those who follow them.
Leadership Lesson: Leaders are Servants.
There are so many other leaders and heroes in the Bible, but just from these four men, we can apply the following…
1. Have Passion – It’ll help you push through the hard times (and there will be hard times).
2. Recover – You will fail, you will get knocked down – don’t let failure keep you grounded. Get up!
3. Challenges Occur – Sometimes things seem too big to handle or conquer. As Men of God, we aren’t afraid of giants.
4. Serve – A humble heart with the intention of adding value to others. That is a leader worth following.
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