Jesus Style Leadership 1 - Call & GraceSample

Limiting Your Freedom as a Leader

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders put the needs of their followers before their own agenda.

Read 1 Corinthians 8:4-13

Comment

Paul faced a challenging dilemma about whether to eat food that had previously been sacrificed to idols in pagan temples. Animals would be sacrificed to the Roman and Greek gods/idols and then the meat would be sold at the markets. On the one hand, Paul himself had no problem with where the food had been. He figured that it was God’s food and God was in control, not those pagan idols. He was fine with eating food, no matter where it had been. On the other hand, Paul recognised that some people saw such food as being defiled by offering it first to idols and therefore dangerous to their spiritual health. They wouldn’t touch such food. So what was Paul to do as a leader? Should he parade his freedom in Christ? No, he showed grace to his “weaker” followers by abstaining. Paul missed out on some tasty meals, but those he influenced were protected from possible harm. When we put aside our own agenda to listen to and care for those who are “weaker,” we are living God’s grace. In some ways, it doesn’t seem fair that Paul had to curtail his freedom to pander to his followers’ insecurities. But then, grace isn’t fair.

Prayer

Please help me to listen to those whom you have given me to influence and to be sensitive to their genuine concerns and needs. May I not flaunt my freedom or theology or rights or opinions if it causes them harm. May I treat those I influence with your grace. If there is something you want me to change, I’m ready Lord.

Personal Reflection

What could be the equivalent of “food sacrificed to idols” these days? Is there any okay thing that God has asked you or is asking you to give up for the sake of those you influence? Remember that God celebrates this.