November 2021
Nougat 19
Many of us are considered natural leaders. But have we stopped to think that there’s a difference when God’s spirit accords those qualities upon us? Please consider today’s Holy Nougat
“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:8 NLT
‘Some are natural leaders, some achieve leadership, but some have leadership thrust upon them.’ (apologies to the Bard). As believers, there is a sense in which regardless of our station in life, we have the best deal – Leadership has been conferred upon us by none other than the Leader of Leaders! Even within that context of us all being leaders (we are a royal priesthood 1 Peter 2:9), we know that there are still other distinctions and levels of leadership; especially within the life of the church/temple/fellowship of believers.
the term which transliterates ‘leader’ speaks to one who presides, one to whom the ‘authority’ of God has been accorded to oversee or to preside over the affairs of a group of persons. As we are all called to lead in different contexts, I believe that we may be anointed by God’s Spirit for such a purpose. Inasmuch as a Bishop, Presiding Elder, Apostle or Overseer in several fellowships have the final earthly say, we also recognize that their ultimate authority comes from God and ought to be recognized as such. If we were then to apply the following extract From Titus 1 (the Message Bible), we gain a fairly comprehensive picture of what leadership ought to be:
“Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions. As you select them, ask, “Is this man well-thought-of? Is he committed to his wife? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?” It’s important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God’s house, be looked up to—not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.”
And these traits ought to apply across the board. I note this as one might argue that leadership is gendered and may only be accorded by God’s Spirit to men. Were that the case, how do we speak of Deborah, Anna, Esther, and several other role models of leadership we see reflected in the Word? It is worth remembering that while Paul may have been married at some point, there was no mention of a wife in the epistles or in Acts, and Timothy was anointed by him (Paul) to leadership as a mere youth. Further, I think that within that time, the issue of the number of wives was more so about being faithful in character, and not merely about an action to prove one’s right to authority. Moreover, there is the call to be responsible for that which we have been given to steward (and I would say that if it is over the affairs of God’s house or in other spheres). Ultimately, Leadership asks that before we make decisions, we consult with God. And, with God as our ultimate authority and accountability Source, the final decision is God’s.
Additionally, we note that leaders are usually operating in one or more spiritual giftings, as they need wisdom and discernment to know whom to consult with for guidance as they make decisions on behalf of the whole. When anointed by God’s Spirit to positions of leadership, like David and Saul, we may also find ourselves being prophetic in specific situations. It may be that through God’s anointing we are called upon to diffuse tensions in places not normally reserved for us. God may have us in a position of leadership training for YEARS like David, maybe even being (un)consciously coached by the one whom we will succeed.
If we consider the life of Peter, we see that it was through the outpouring of God’s Spirit that Peter moved from being a loud-mouthed, fly off the handle fisherman to preaching the Good News (Gospel) to the Jews at Pentecost. Esther was trained by Mordecai and Hegai, but when it came to the final account, it was the favour of God that afforded her time with the King and the anointing of God that provided her with the right words. Education may contribute to some aspects of Leadership as a gift, but God’s grace must be included.
Having responsibility for the affairs God has placed upon us also requires that we seek to balance our relationships with God and others. We pray for those in our charge as well as for ourselves. we seek to ensure their well-being and press God to intervene for good, and not for our own selfish ambitions. And, as always, our leadership – whether in the public or private arena, invites us to ensure that the glory goes to God and not ourselves.
Even as we strive for God’s anointing on any point of leadership conveyed upon us, let us also pray for the mantle placed by God on those who are accountable for overseeing our spiritual welfare.
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May all we seek be found in Christ