Jesus Style Leadership 2 - Love & HeartSample

In Step with the Spirit

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders keep in step with God’s Spirit.

Read Galatians 5:19–26.

Comment

The “acts of the flesh” include debauchery, orgies, and witchcraft (which sound really evil), along with jealousy, rage, and selfish ambition (which may not seem to be as dangerous). But as far as God is concerned, these are all signs that Christians are not living by the Spirit. How do we avoid these things and develop godly character? Paul’s wisdom for us is: “Keep in step with the Spirit!” (5:25). To help understand Paul’s command, I picture a child standing on the feet of their mum or dad, arms wrapped around their parent’s legs, as they take big steps together. As you hold tight to God and allow his Spirit to fill you, you will find that you naturally walk God’s way and produce Spirit fruit like love, joy, peace, and patience. These are the fruit of a godly heart. Of course, you have to make an effort. You need to keep in step with the Spirit. But you don’t have to produce the fruit; that is the Spirit’s job. Eventually, a leader’s character will indicate whether they are walking with the Spirit or not. Jesus-style leaders gradually look more and more like Jesus. I hope you can already see the Spirit bringing change to your character and the way you lead.

Prayer

There is no way that I can become loving, peaceful, gentle, and joyful by myself. I can make short-term changes, but I just don’t have the willpower to transform my life and my motivations. But that is Your job, Holy Spirit, not mine. So once again, I hand over control to You and pray that You will make me look more like Jesus as I keep in step with You.

Personal Reflection

Go through the fruit of the Spirit (5:22–23) and identify areas in which you have changed positively over the last 12 months. How is God’s Spirit working in you at the moment? What changes is he producing?