His presence was the essence of their development. Jesus’ final “letting go” act was transferring the ownership and fulfillment of His Father’s mission to a handful of fallen men. Are they positive? That’s not how the story goes, is it? “Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. Leaders who stand the test of time have something we can learn to elevate our leadership. In doing so, He transformed a group of very ordinary (somewhat raw and unreliable) followers into a nucleus who would turn society upside down in just … But what is prayer? . "I will instruct you." And the whole city was gathered together at the door. Jesus had a leadership succession plan. In his instructions to Timothy concerning the appointment of overseers in the church, Paul wrote, “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6). Anxiety is a killer. One primary example of this is the Old Testament hero Joseph. She is passionate about using her God-given talents to advance the cause of Christ. It’s this whole travelling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. He does not ask us to suffer without having suffered himself. He killed them, shedding their blood in peacetime as if in battle…. Practice the art of giving in secret. Jesus was not born a fully developed adult; he was born a human baby. David had invested himself in preparing Israel’s next leader. Today, more people follow Him than any other leader in the world. He spent his first years as a refugee in Egypt. You can’t do everything, so start practicing the use of it. Take a fresh look at nature and get the point. Point one finger in the direction of another in judgment and you have three pointing straight back at you. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in.”. His strategy in developing disciples was laid out in such a way to spread the Gospel for all time. In view of this foundation, it was in essence immaterial what further preparation was needed. “Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open. The hardships and struggles we endure during the transformation process will eventually provide us the strength we will need to accomplish the tasks our transformed nature will require. Throw him out into utter darkness.’”. Jesus could have told him what to do, but he did not. If one of you kisses me, I will be turned back into my original self. In some fairy tales, the transformation is instantaneous – one kiss wakes up Sleeping Beauty. Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. According to ... this leadership development plan, the meaning of integrity will be guided by the definition that integrity is a state of being whole. Solomon was ready; David had developed him as a leader. I know this firsthand. After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. Think of the impact this must have had on Jesus’ followers – many of whom certainly came from the “wrong side of the tracks.” These oppressed people enjoyed something that made Old Testament kings and heroes green with envy. Whatever you do, don’t compare yourself with the other guy or girl who seems to have been given a bunch of talents. And you count far more to him than birds. The scope of the work itself was enormous, and David was a tough act to follow. Leaders must be taught and nurtured, and they should be allowed to grow into increasing spheres of responsibility. In light of this purpose, he sometimes assigns us to courses we would not have chosen as electives. Not only does a mentor challenge, but a mentor supports and encourages as well. But I also pray while I’m at work. Faith is a small word, but a powerful one at that. He holds a B.S. 7 George MacDonald, The Princess and Curdie (Baltimore: Puffin Books, 1976). It has been for decades, despite its very meager return on investment. When the Sun Sets: Jacob Meets God (Gen. 27:41-28:22), Jacob: When God Turns Darkness into Dawn (Expository Sermons On O.T. Consistently apologizing for your words and deeds whether others have expressed disapproval or not (e.g., “I’m sorry but…”). “I’d rather have a talking frog.”. Your turn. He instructed them about the kingdom of God (Matthew 13), his mission on earth (Mark 10:32-34) and their own attitudes about being his followers (Luke 17:7-10). Third, you must be willing to provide feedback, to listen, to encourage, and to challenge the hearts of those you develop. His mother was probably a teenager. 8 Novella Carter and Matthew Parker, ed., Women to Women (Grand Rapids: Zondervan/The Institute for Black Family Development, 1996), p. 76. by Megan Pacheco. Then there are the people who will eventually replace us in our leadership role. This is what he invites us to when we surrender to him. Neither can they be forced. After all, they departed without food, money or extra clothing (v. 4). And if you say ‘yes’ ensure that you do what you say – even if it is inconvenient. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.”. In most, however, the process is grueling, and the hero must endure peril and hardship before the transformation is complete. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Can you imagine how different our faith-led businesses, faith-based organizations and even churches would look if we decided today that the only leadership model we will apply and follow is the blueprint Jesus so excellently modeled for us? Neither is it just a matter of developing skills to their full potential. And as the butterfly is struggling to free itself from its chrysalis, it is actually developing the strength it will need to fly. But ask, and in your asking expect to receive. In the spirit of Christmas, I’d like to share 12 powerful life lessons every leader must emulate: “Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.”. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. When taunted by one of the criminals hanging crucified by His side, “Aren't you the Messiah? “So be strong, show yourself a man, and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in his ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’”.