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- Leadership requires a focused individual: someone who perseveres with the vision and goals God has given him or her. Your character is your greatest asset as a leader. Your character validates your leadership and motivates others to follow. The depth of your character is determined by the quality of your own relationship with God and with others. Relational maturity, which includes a quickness to forgive, teachability, and accountability, breeds character.
- “. . . if it is leadership, let him govern diligently . . .” Romans 12:8
- The second asset you have as a leader is your ability to create healthy environments: an environment that is relationally open, creative, accountable, and spiritual. These environments produce excellence in products and services. You lead as the Holy Spirit leads in your life by comforting, energizing, and providing moral authority. Leaders, lead!
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The gift of encouragement is a good compliment to the gift of prophecy. Once you understand the prophet’s message of where you are, you need encouragement to make it through the process. Barnabas, which means the Son of Encouragement, was a good partner for Paul. When Paul poured out the truth, Barnabas helped the people apply the truth to their lives. He helped people when they fell down (remember John Mark?) and certainly helped answer their questions when they were confused.
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“. . . if it is encouraging, let him encourage . . . ” (Romans 12:8)
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One proven method of encouragement is through accountability. After earning the trust of another, you can ask the hard questions and so spur each other on to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24) Your investment of time in your own spouse and/or children is a tremendous encouragement to them and to others as they watch your life. As for yourself, allow time and space for the Lord to recharge your courage tanks. When you have been encouraged, you can encourage.
- The gifted teacher is passionate about study, understanding, and explaining. He is compelled to transfer truth to his students in a simple and memorable style. After a spirit-filled teacher has taught, people walk away being challenged and convinced in their minds and hearts of how and why they should become more Christ-like. People are appreciative of the teacher. They stand in awe of the God this teacher has just described. Others’ awe of God is the teacher’s ultimate compliment.
- “. . . if it is teaching, let him teach.” (Romans 12:7)
- Preparation and prayer are your greatest tools if you are gifted as a teacher. Immersing yourself in truth, struggling with truth, and living out truth in your own life are prerequisites to being effective. Knowing your audience is critical. Truth needs to be packaged differently for different people. The best teachers teach out of brokenness, from their own failures, and as a fellow learner. Satan trembles and God is glorified when this type of teacher teaches!
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