Leadership is defined as influence. Nothing more and nothing less. It is the ability to offer direction, be willing to follow i, allow others to take and accept you as the role model. Leadership thus, dictates that you take your position ahead and position yourself to have followers.
Character
Any habit repeated the same way at least seven times forms character. This is what defines you. It is a distinctive mark, moral strength or the reputation i.e. what you are known for.
5 CHARACTERISTICS OF A LEADER
1. A leader influences 1 Corinthians 4:10-13
Paul was willing to play the fool in order to model a surrendered life Vs. 10
His leadership was on display and open for ridicule Vs.9He endured mocking from others but did not waver Vs. 10
His sacrificed luxuries that others did enjoy Vs.11
He worked hard and did not retaliate against opposition Vs. 12, 13
2. A leader loves Vs. 14, 15
He does not shame but warns in love and through love, Vs. 14
A leader fathers, offers direction, instruction and guidance
Good leader provides refuge ,counsel and a shoulder to lean on and cry on Vs. 15
The leader's loves takes on the burden of others and lightens it for them, Vs. 15
He lives an exemplary life to offer moral example for his children. He will not allow his children or followers to trample and feed on pigs fodder. He holds the moral compass for them and ensures that directions are distinctively followed.Vs. 14, 15
3. A leader has to be faithful Vs. 2
The leadership model of Moses paints to us faithfulness regardless of prevailing circumstances. It is not the circumstances that dictate who a leader is, it is the leader who determines how the circumstances turn into his unique leadership skills and qualities. Hebrews 3:2,5
Jesus Christ is a faithful son Hebrews 3:6
Silas is commended to be faithful. Are you? 1 Peter 5:12
Being faithful has a dear prize tag on it. Only exceptional leaders are ready to pay this prize! Revelation 2:10
There is no faithfulness without patient endurance. Long suffering is a Fruit of the Spirit and this will be called into play most often in leaders with distinction
- Revelation 1:9
[ John’s Vision of Christ ] I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
- This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.
Offers his life for scrutiny 1 Thessalonians 1:6
Sets the pace and is ready to exploit each step profitably
Is a living example both in speech and in actions
Men who are ready to be imitated do not have secrets, Ephesians 5:1
Looking for positive outcome, Hebrews 13:7, Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 6:12, " We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.Leaders worth imitating have jewels of skill worth to be shared
5. Integrity is part and parcel of a true leader Vs. 17,18
Live up to godly standards which are the marks of godliness
Is not puffed up neither is he full of pride
Maintains poise and is not ruthless or rudderless. He will remain in control
Integrity gives confidence and teeth to bite 1Kings 9: 4-5,
4 “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness, as David your father did, and do all I command and observe my decrees and laws, 5 I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’
A leader offers acceptability and awe( the fear of God) Nehemiah 7:2, I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do"
visible and stands out known, Mathew 22.16, "
16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are".
Leadership will be articulated in how you carry out yourself. You do not go to every person announcing that you are a leader. They experience and see it by themselves. Titus 2.7, "
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness"
A leader offers acceptability and awe( the fear of God) Nehemiah 7:2, I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most people do"
visible and stands out known, Mathew 22.16, " 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are".
Leadership will be articulated in how you carry out yourself. You do not go to every person announcing that you are a leader. They experience and see it by themselves. Titus 2.7, "
"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness"
A leader does not waver according to circumstance. Job 23.9 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness
Integrity protects Psalm 25.21, May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, Lord, is in you.
Paul eventually reminded his readers that God's kingdom was not and is not about talk but of power 1Corinthians 4.20
The Lord bless you as you imitate him, Amen
