Christian Leadership Foundations 3 - HeartSample

THE BLESSINGS OF HEART

Leadership Devotion

We used to have Christian leather bands we would wear on our wrists back in my youth. On these bands were the letters WWJD. The purpose of the bands was to remind us to keep asking the question, “What Would Jesus Do?” While humans were broken and prone to failure, Jesus was perfect and always worth following. We would be right if we could just copy Jesus in all situations. The leather wristbands reminded us of this.

So it jars a little to read Paul saying, “Join with others in following my example.” He is telling the Christians in Philippi to use him as a model of how to live for Jesus. That sounds bold, even arrogant. How many of us would dare to say to those we lead, “Use me as your standard.”? I would feel much more comfortable getting my followers to wear the leather wristbands with WWJD.

Except for the word “followers,” it implies people will follow us. As we lead, people will follow. They don’t distinguish between what we say and what we do. They don’t separate our role and our life. In Christian leadership, at least, it’s all the one package. That’s the way God intends it. So the question for Christians is not, “Will I follow?” but “Who will I follow?”

And as Paul points out, there are plenty of poor examples around the place. Leaders who don’t have a heart for God but are focused on themselves and “earthly things” (3:18-19). They don’t represent Jesus at all. Follow them, and you will end up damaged and despairing. Follow Paul and copy his heart for God and you will be well prepared for your future citizenship in heaven.

To be fair to Paul, he doesn’t just urge the Christians in Philippi to follow his example. There are many others to follow who live in the same way (3:17). They’re good models too. In 1 Cor. 11:1, Paul expands his guideline when he says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” The Philippians were not to be “little Pauls” but were to check out the evidence of his heart for God and build these things into their own lives.

The fact is Christians need models. They need to see the Christian life is possible. They need to see what it’s like to follow Jesus in the 21st century in a materialistic culture. They need to be inspired and challenged, and encouraged. Not just by words but by lives as well. And that’s what leaders with a heart for God do. They offer themselves as examples. They say, “Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.” A godly heart rubs off on others.

To Contemplate

How deeply is Heart embedded in your leadership? Rate each statement on the following scale:
5 - Strongly Agree; 4 - Agree; 3 - Neither Agree nor Disagree; 2 - Disagree; 1 - Strongly Disagree.

Total the scores. This gives a score out of 25. A score below 20 indicates significant room for growth.

1. I have seen significant positive changes in my character in the last few years.

2. Generally, I am faithful, patient, humble, honest, gentle, and teachable.

3. I know the Bible well enough to find what God wants on an issue.

4. I have a trusted mentor who regularly guides me and holds me accountable.

5. I am respected and trusted by almost all the people I influence.

Leadership Reflection

A heart for God and his word results in godly character, and godly wisdom produces spiritual authority. This is a form of influence that comes backed by the authority of God because it reflects his heart and will. Not everyone will necessarily acknowledge spiritual authority, but those seeking God will recognize God’s presence and voice and want to follow. Spiritual authority produces dedicated followers and great kingdom growth.

Not many young Christian leaders will have strong spiritual authority. Usually, character and wisdom take time to develop. This is the direction we should be heading. We need to foster a heart for God and his word that reflects in godly character and wisdom and results in spiritual authority.

Godly character and wisdom in Christian leaders lead to powerful advances in God’s kingdom, but they also have a great impact on and benefit followers. Here are some blessings that flow to followers from a leader with God’s heart.

1. Confidence

The Bible emphasizes we should be able to have confidence in those who lead us because they represent God and are accountable to God. Hebrews 13:17 says: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give account.” As confidence in leaders grows, followers become more eager to listen and follow.

Those who influence without godly character and/or wisdom often damage those following them and destroy future confidence and trust in leaders. It’s painful for those who follow a leader with poor character and/or is unwise. It’s hard to fully invest in them and their vision because you can’t be confident they will do or say what is helpful or right. You can’t trust their motives or wisdom.

A leader with a heart for God breeds confidence in followers. They can respond with loyalty and faith. They can fully invest and not hold back for fear of being hurt or misled. They can be confident that following will move them safely towards God’s desires and direction.

2. Character

Another benefit of a heart for God is it often rubs off on those we lead. As we saw in the devotion, Scripture implores Christians to associate with and follow the example of those who have godly hearts. Their example will profoundly help followers become disciples of Jesus.

As Christian leaders passionately pursue a heart for God and his word, those who follow will seek to grow a similar heart. This will result in their growth in godly character and wisdom. As they find their character growing to be more like Jesus, they will appreciate their leader’s contribution and develop a deep respect for their leader and a desire to follow further. Thus, the influence of the leader continues to grow.