Jesus Style Leadership 2 - Love & HeartSample

Heart Really Matters Most

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders have a heart for God.

Read 1 Samuel 16:5-7; 11-12.

Comment

Today, we come to the third aspect of the Jesus-style leadership “operating system.” It is composed of Grace, Love and Heart. Let’s have a look at what Scripture says about Heart. Israel’s first king, Saul, had messed things up, so God told Samuel to secretly anoint a new king. When Samuel saw Jesse’s son Eliab walk in front of him, he thought, "Surely... this is the next king!” (16:6). Eliab was big, strong, and good-looking. He was just what Israel needed as a king to lead them in battle (the king’s main role at the time). To Samuel, Eliab was clearly God’s choice, but Samuel was completely wrong. He had to learn that the most important thing in choosing a leader was not how gifted, smart, or pumped they were, but what was going on inside their heart. As God said to Samuel, “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Eliab just didn’t have the right heart, and that made all the difference. God has given you gifts and abilities, but He is most concerned about your heart—the place that drives your decisions, feelings, ideas, attitudes, and responses. God is looking at your motives, attitudes, and character. Your heart matters most to God.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, that when You called me as Your child, You changed my heart. You gave me a heart for you—a heart that wants to live close to You and love and obey You. May I protect and nurture this soft, good heart You have given me. May I want You more than anything else. May I lead for You, not for myself. I long to be a leader like David with your heart, Lord.

Personal Reflection

Take some time to just be with God. Let Him love you. Ask Him to check out your heart and reveal any problems that are making it cold or hard. Let Him soften and renew your heart.