Lead Strong: Leadership Lessons From The Bible - Part 2Sample

Leaders Elevate Jesus From the moment of his conception, John the Baptist was special. Even though John the Baptist had drawn quite a following as he preached about turning to God and then baptized those who repented, he knew his role. His purpose on this earth was to prepare the way for the Messiah. He cared about one thing - elevating Jesus (John 3:30). How did he do it? People came from all over to see him and confess their sins to him. Seriously! I would have wanted some kind of sign or name badge saying how important I was. But that’s my flesh talking, sadly. I have made some strides to feed my spirit all the while starving my flesh, but sometimes my flesh still gets its way. The best way to beat the flesh is to focus on our spirit and feed it. Not the other way around. So, how do we elevate Jesus in a world that wants to elevate us? 1. Elevate publicly. A synonym for elevate is the word hoist and it simply means to lift up. So, let’s lift up the name of Jesus to those around us. Receiving compliments and encouragement from others is not a bad thing; what we do with it and how we let it affect us can be. A simple “thank you” to the person is all that’s necessary. We don’t have to throw in “Oh, it’s all Jesus, not me” and reject that person’s attempt to encourage us. When someone compliments me, I thank them and ask, “How did God speak to you?” This response accepts their encouragement and also indirectly points the conversation back to Jesus. 2. Elevate privately. We are to walk in humility which means that we don’t think we are better than others. But in our leadership roles, there will be people who might think that we are better or have more to offer. We cannot change their viewpoint, but we can make sure that we don’t allow their thoughts or words to seep into our minds. In moments when someone is trying to elevate me, I take a few minutes alone and just have a conversation with God. I let Him know that I can do nothing without His Spirit guiding me. And then I thank Him for allowing me the privilege of ministering for His kingdom. By Cindy Beall