The Leadership Style of JesusSýnishorn

Day 2: The Giving Principle

Jesus said, “You received without paying; give without pay” (see Matthew 10:8b). Or as the New International Version renders it, “Freely you have received; freely give.” In God’s economy, we never lose by giving. We only gain.

To worldly cynics, this may sound absurd, but as believers, we know it’s true. Leaders give of themselves, and by giving they produce better relationships, better organizations, and a more satisfying life for themselves and others. By generously giving of ourselves daily, we turn the golden rule into a practical way of life.

Generosity is not a natural impulse. We learn to live generously by the example of others. Those who have been mentored, taught, befriended, or helped by a generous leader are more likely to live a lifestyle of generosity toward others.

Authentic generosity is not a role we play or an image we project. It must come from within, motivated by love, not by a desire to get something in return. The paradox of generosity is that when we give freely, without being repaid in any way, we truly receive. What do we receive? We receive the joy of giving, of serving, and of being approved by our Lord.

When I started the Anglican Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, the first six years we met at a private school. About one mile from that private school is a large, thriving Pentecostal church. This church was founded and pastored by one of God’s most generous servant leaders, Paul Walker.

When I had the joy of meeting Dr. Walker, I told him that I had admired him for many years. He immediately offered any help he could give me. I said, “Paul, we’re only a mile or two at the most away from you.”

“We both work for the same Master,” he said. “There are millions to be reached in Atlanta, and we can’t do it all ourselves.”

I thought, That’s generosity! From that moment we began a special friendship, and I will always owe Dr. Walker a debt of gratitude for his frequent wise counsel and the generous gift of his time and experience.

Dr. Walker is living out the example of Jesus as recorded in Mark 9 and Luke 9. After Jesus had sent out the Twelve to preach and heal in his name, John came to him and said, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.”

Jesus replied, “Do not stop him…for the one who is not against us is for us.”

The Lord Jesus, our Leadership Role Model, practiced true generosity in everything he did. Authentic leaders give generously, freely, expecting nothing in return—and are blessed and rewarded with joy.