Jesus Style Leadership 1 - Call & GraceSample

The Influence of Grace-based Leaders

Leadership Lesson

God uses grace-based leaders to develop grace-based followers.

Read 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Comment

Letters of recommendation were important in fledgling churches where new Christian teachers/leaders in town were not known by the congregation. So these teachers would carry references from better-known leaders. But Paul needed no such recommendation. The lives of the Corinthians had been revolutionized by his teaching (3:3). The Corinthians themselves showed the strength and quality of his ministry. This will be true for you. As God works through you, there will come times when the impact of your influence will be seen in the changed lives of those you have led. That’s pretty special. Some of this you will see, but much will become more apparent in the new heaven/earth. However, notice two things. First, Paul takes no credit for the effectiveness of his ministry (3:5). It’s all through the grace of God. It is an undeserved gift from God. That’s a familiar theme for us now. Any impact we have comes as a blessing from God. Second, his leadership ministry has been one of Spirit and life, not rules and restrictions (3:6). As we live in God’s grace, the people we influence come alive to Jesus’ gospel of grace. Whether you can see it yet or not, this will already be happening through your influence.

Prayer

I will probably never have the influence that Paul had, but I pray that you will use me to bring freedom and change lives. Not through my competence and skills, but through your powerful work of grace in me and through me. Please may I make a difference? May many receive and enjoy your grace and life through my leadership influence.

Personal Reflection

Can you think of anyone who has already been influenced by your leadership in some positive way? If so, praise God for his work through you. If not, pray for God’s grace to continue to flow through you.