Bible Understanding Next Level Leadership
Bible Understanding Next Level Leadership
1.) Scripture
1 Timothy 3:1
This is a true saying: if a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work.
1.) Scripture
1 Timothy 3:1
This is a true saying: if a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work.
1 Samuel 13:13-14
“That was a foolish thing to do,” Samuel answered. “You have not obeyed the command the LORD your God gave you. If you had obeyed, he would have let you and your descendants rule over Israel for ever. But now your rule will not continue. Because you have disobeyed him, the LORD will find the kind of man he wants and make him ruler of his people.”
“That was a foolish thing to do,” Samuel answered. “You have not obeyed the command the LORD your God gave you. If you had obeyed, he would have let you and your descendants rule over Israel for ever. But now your rule will not continue. Because you have disobeyed him, the LORD will find the kind of man he wants and make him ruler of his people.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
After all this, there is only one thing to say: have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that human beings were created for. God is going to judge everything we do, whether good or bad, even things done in secret.
After all this, there is only one thing to say: have reverence for God, and obey his commands, because this is all that human beings were created for. God is going to judge everything we do, whether good or bad, even things done in secret.
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for human beings. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for human beings. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve.
Set Your Ambition
The word ambition carries some strong and often negative connotations, especially for followers of Jesus. So a healthy understanding of that concept is essential for leaders on the rise.
Ambition is a double-edged sword. Earning an opportunity – a promotion or a chance to lead a key project, for instance – is exciting and rewarding. It feels good to be recognized for our talents and hard work. If we’re not careful, however, our pride can morph into a sense of entitlement and dissatisfaction. No matter what we achieve, it’s not enough. Instead of living fully in the position we’ve been given, we look to the next “there.” We become hooked on success.
Ambition is not a bad thing. God calls you to “work … with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23 NIV). In other words, do your best. But when our ambition is born out of our reliance on ourselves and becomes too focused on the typical rewards of success – power, recognition and money – we can lose sight of why God has called us to be leaders in the first place.
The word ambition carries some strong and often negative connotations, especially for followers of Jesus. So a healthy understanding of that concept is essential for leaders on the rise.
Ambition is a double-edged sword. Earning an opportunity – a promotion or a chance to lead a key project, for instance – is exciting and rewarding. It feels good to be recognized for our talents and hard work. If we’re not careful, however, our pride can morph into a sense of entitlement and dissatisfaction. No matter what we achieve, it’s not enough. Instead of living fully in the position we’ve been given, we look to the next “there.” We become hooked on success.
Ambition is not a bad thing. God calls you to “work … with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23 NIV). In other words, do your best. But when our ambition is born out of our reliance on ourselves and becomes too focused on the typical rewards of success – power, recognition and money – we can lose sight of why God has called us to be leaders in the first place.
The lives of Saul, Jonathan, and David were intertwined in ways that often illustrated the power of godly ambition and the perils of selfish ambition. Saul, Israel’s first king, experienced achievement addiction. He began to rely on his own abilities and his heart turned away from God. Jonathan, Saul’s son and heir, and David, who was called by God to replace Saul, both put God’s will above any self-serving ambitions. David, of course, also fell victim to his selfish ambition, which cost him dearly.
When we keep our eyes firmly fixed on God as the provider of our talent and ability, we can pursue appropriate ambition and experience success without losing ourselves. It’s OK to dream about the opportunity to lead at the next level and to eagerly desire new challenges. Just remember who has prepared you to do great things and that your success as you rise to the next level is dependent on Him, not you.
Rise to the Challenge:
· List 3-5 leadership ambitions you hold.
· List 3-5 leadership ambitions you hold.
· Evaluate your motives for those ambitions. Are they God-ambitions or self-ambitions?
· Discuss your ambitions with someone you trust to help ensure you aren’t justifying self-ambitions or running away from God-ambitions in the name of false humility.
Prayer
Father, give me ambition to serve you. Use me to do great things for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Father, give me ambition to serve you. Use me to do great things for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2.) Scripture
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But I will bless those who put their trust in me. They are like trees growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water. They are not afraid when hot weather comes, because their leaves stay green; they have no worries when there is no rain; they keep on bearing fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But I will bless those who put their trust in me. They are like trees growing near a stream and sending out roots to the water. They are not afraid when hot weather comes, because their leaves stay green; they have no worries when there is no rain; they keep on bearing fruit.
1 Corinthians 12:1
Now, concerning what you wrote about the gifts from the Holy Spirit. I want you to know the truth about them, my brothers and sisters.
Now, concerning what you wrote about the gifts from the Holy Spirit. I want you to know the truth about them, my brothers and sisters.
Psalms 139:14
I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart.
I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart.
Develop Your Strengths
As a young leader, I often wished I had the analytical skills or calm confidence under pressure that I saw in more experienced leaders. I wanted to emulate them. Learning from great leaders has been an important part of my development, but I also discovered that I had to identify my leadership strengths so I could rise in my own unique way.
God gives each of us gifts and talents -- things like the ability to solve problems, work with others, or think of new ideas. When you have clarity about your strengths, you can lead at your best. You feel more confident about your approach to work and how you interact with others. Less force is required, you tend to be more authentic, and you operate in your “sweet spot.”
As a young leader, I often wished I had the analytical skills or calm confidence under pressure that I saw in more experienced leaders. I wanted to emulate them. Learning from great leaders has been an important part of my development, but I also discovered that I had to identify my leadership strengths so I could rise in my own unique way.
God gives each of us gifts and talents -- things like the ability to solve problems, work with others, or think of new ideas. When you have clarity about your strengths, you can lead at your best. You feel more confident about your approach to work and how you interact with others. Less force is required, you tend to be more authentic, and you operate in your “sweet spot.”
The challenge comes when you don’t know yourself – or when you don’t accept yourself for who you are. If you struggle in this area, draw confidence from knowing that God created you to be just who you are. The Apostle Paul reminds us that each person is designed to play a unique and important role. (I Corinthians 12:1). Similarly, we know God has created us to be just the way we are. (Psalms 139:14).
You might also conclude that you’re not really like other leaders at all. That can be a little scary, too. We all want to see some of ourselves in others we admire. But the most effective leaders are unique. They retain their individuality as they tap into their gifts from God.
You might also conclude that you’re not really like other leaders at all. That can be a little scary, too. We all want to see some of ourselves in others we admire. But the most effective leaders are unique. They retain their individuality as they tap into their gifts from God.
Being different is attractive and makes you stand out from the crowd. The trick is: You must be you. If you try to be something you’re not, people will recognize it pretty quickly, and there is nothing less desirable than a fake.
Get to know yourself. Dare to be yourself. And make sure others have a clear idea of who you are, too. When you are confident in who you are, you will have confidence to lead as God would have you do.
Get to know yourself. Dare to be yourself. And make sure others have a clear idea of who you are, too. When you are confident in who you are, you will have confidence to lead as God would have you do.
Rise to the Challenge:
· Explore your strengths. Be curious and vulnerable as you assess what you do well.
· Explore your strengths. Be curious and vulnerable as you assess what you do well.
· Take the risk of opening yourself up to others to get feedback, good and bad, to determine how to build upon your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
Prayer
Father, help me see who you made me to be. Amen.
Father, help me see who you made me to be. Amen.
3.) Scripture
Jeremiah 29:11
I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11
I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.
Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”
Genesis 45:4-5
Then Joseph said to them, “Please come closer.” They did, and he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here. It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people's lives.
Then Joseph said to them, “Please come closer.” They did, and he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be upset or blame yourselves because you sold me here. It was really God who sent me ahead of you to save people's lives.
Know Your Purpose
We all need a clear sense of purpose that’s drawn from more than the traditional rewards of success like money, power and fame. These well-deserved benefits of hard work don’t last. And when unchecked and taken to an extreme, they can change us into a person we don’t want to become – greedy, narcissistic, and downright mean.
The best leaders find deeper meaning in their work by tapping into intrinsic motivations that are centered on what they give rather than what they get. Do any of these reasons resonate with you?
We all need a clear sense of purpose that’s drawn from more than the traditional rewards of success like money, power and fame. These well-deserved benefits of hard work don’t last. And when unchecked and taken to an extreme, they can change us into a person we don’t want to become – greedy, narcissistic, and downright mean.
The best leaders find deeper meaning in their work by tapping into intrinsic motivations that are centered on what they give rather than what they get. Do any of these reasons resonate with you?
You are called
Many leaders feel like Esther – they are in a certain place at a certain time to make a meaningful contribution. (Esther 4:14).
Many leaders feel like Esther – they are in a certain place at a certain time to make a meaningful contribution. (Esther 4:14).
You are a catalyst
Leaders often are in a position to create opportunities because of their knowledge, contacts and wisdom. Joseph was sold him into slavery, yet God made him ruler over Egypt. Later, during a time of famine, he used his influence to save his family from starvation. (Genesis 45:4-8) Your decisions to give someone an opportunity, to thoughtfully coach someone, or to put in a good word for someone can change the course of their careers.
Leaders often are in a position to create opportunities because of their knowledge, contacts and wisdom. Joseph was sold him into slavery, yet God made him ruler over Egypt. Later, during a time of famine, he used his influence to save his family from starvation. (Genesis 45:4-8) Your decisions to give someone an opportunity, to thoughtfully coach someone, or to put in a good word for someone can change the course of their careers.
You build new things
One of the most rewarding responsibilities of leadership is mobilizing teams and leveraging resources to build new products, services, programs, companies that create value – a solution that makes life better for customers, a company that gives employees a meaningful job and workplace, or a non-profit initiative that makes the community a better place to live.
One of the most rewarding responsibilities of leadership is mobilizing teams and leveraging resources to build new products, services, programs, companies that create value – a solution that makes life better for customers, a company that gives employees a meaningful job and workplace, or a non-profit initiative that makes the community a better place to live.
You can be the change
You inevitably will face situations where you can make a difference if you have the courage and conviction to do so. You will have opportunities to take a stand when no one else will or to make tough decisions with heart and empathy for others, living up to honorable and worthy principles such as fairness, respect and kindness.
You inevitably will face situations where you can make a difference if you have the courage and conviction to do so. You will have opportunities to take a stand when no one else will or to make tough decisions with heart and empathy for others, living up to honorable and worthy principles such as fairness, respect and kindness.
Rise to the Challenge:
· Do you feel called? If so, to what? Why?
· Do you feel called? If so, to what? Why?
· Don’t know your calling? We’re all called to love and serve others. Answer that call, and God will lead you to other assignments.
· How can you be a catalyst in someone’s life?
· What are you building that has value?
· What do you want to change through your leadership?
Prayer
Father, sometimes I feel so overwhelmed. Refresh me so I can be the leader you called me to be. Amen.
Father, sometimes I feel so overwhelmed. Refresh me so I can be the leader you called me to be. Amen.
4.) Scripture
2 Corinthians 5:17
Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.
2 Thessalonians 1:11
That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to make you worthy of the life he has called you to live. May he fulfil by his power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith.
That is why we always pray for you. We ask our God to make you worthy of the life he has called you to live. May he fulfil by his power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith.
1 Timothy 6:18
Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share with others.
Earn Your Followers
At a critical time in my company’s journey, I had to face the fact that I was holding too tightly to projects, relationships and decisions. By trying to control things, I was choking our growth and I risked losing the talented leadership team that was eager to help us get to the next level.
Thankfully, I learned an important lesson – to focus on what only I could do and give the rest of it away.
Leaders aren’t one-man bands. We are conductors who focus on empowering, equipping and enabling others to perform at their best. This requires mastering the art of delegation by learning what and how to hand things off. By letting go and trusting others, we become multiplying leaders, capable of achieving exponential results with and through others that we could never achieve on our own.
At a critical time in my company’s journey, I had to face the fact that I was holding too tightly to projects, relationships and decisions. By trying to control things, I was choking our growth and I risked losing the talented leadership team that was eager to help us get to the next level.
Thankfully, I learned an important lesson – to focus on what only I could do and give the rest of it away.
Leaders aren’t one-man bands. We are conductors who focus on empowering, equipping and enabling others to perform at their best. This requires mastering the art of delegation by learning what and how to hand things off. By letting go and trusting others, we become multiplying leaders, capable of achieving exponential results with and through others that we could never achieve on our own.
Jesus is the perfect role model of a multiplying leader. He called His disciples, taught them, walked with them and ultimately entrusted them to carry the message of salvation. Despite their imperfections, He believed in them and called them to become better versions of themselves.
When the disciples struggled with unbelief, Jesus demonstrated His confidence in them by entrusting them with the hope of heaven. His example illustrates how our belief in others and our confidence in them can help them rise to what they are capable of becoming.
Best of all, multiplying leaders learn one of leadership’s most important lessons -- it’s not about you. I consider this the “higher calling of leadership.” It’s not about how successful we are or how high we’ve climbed, but what we do with our leadership to serve God and benefit others.
The opportunities to change the lives of others and “pay it forward” are the most valuable fruits of leadership success. They provide significance to your leadership journey and a destination worth pursuing.
When the disciples struggled with unbelief, Jesus demonstrated His confidence in them by entrusting them with the hope of heaven. His example illustrates how our belief in others and our confidence in them can help them rise to what they are capable of becoming.
Best of all, multiplying leaders learn one of leadership’s most important lessons -- it’s not about you. I consider this the “higher calling of leadership.” It’s not about how successful we are or how high we’ve climbed, but what we do with our leadership to serve God and benefit others.
The opportunities to change the lives of others and “pay it forward” are the most valuable fruits of leadership success. They provide significance to your leadership journey and a destination worth pursuing.
Rise to the Challenge:
· Earn your influence by keeping an open mind to other opinions, consistently aligning your words with your actions, treating others with respect, and being transparent.
· Earn your influence by keeping an open mind to other opinions, consistently aligning your words with your actions, treating others with respect, and being transparent.
· Engage your followers in conversations about who they are, the things they love, and the goals they have for life. Encourage and support them in their journey.
· Be present when interacting with people. Slow down, listen, and absorb what you’re learning.
Explore more leadership resources here .
Prayer
Father, make me a “higher calling leader.” Multiply the fruits of my labor for your glory. Amen.
Father, make me a “higher calling leader.” Multiply the fruits of my labor for your glory. Amen.
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