Biblical Leadership – Success as a Christ-Centered LeaderExemplo

Beware The Lie.

Last time, we saw that leading from within – including your calling as a new creation in Christ – reduces stress and maximizes your effectiveness and eventual success.

But leading from your true self is not so simple!

There’s a deceiver out there who wants to remove your identity in Christ from the scene:

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  – 1 Peter 5:8-9

The deceiver is none other than the devil himself, seeking to push any connection with Christ out of your leadership role. 

And he has a pretty powerful tool at his disposal:

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.  – 1 Timothy 6:10

Money may be his strongest suit, but for those who seem resistant to falling away on account of increased pay, he has an entire library of other weapons:

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.  – 1 John 2:16

A quick reflection around the culture of most organizations shows no shortage of tools for executive retention – not only pay, position & title but also authority levels, budgets & perks to name a few.

Couple the application of those “tools” with flattery from superiors and subordinates, and very soon you might feel like you’ve “made it”, and that it’s all about you! 

But the Bible tells a different story, doesn’t it:

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.  – 2 Corinthians 10:17-18

Did you get that? What’s truly important is what the LORD commends, not what’s written on our paycheck, company report, or office wall.

A Christ-centered leader will do good to remind himself or herself of their identity in Christ, their calling in leadership, and their ultimate destination.

The world – even your own organization – will push hard for company culture to prevail. However, the wise leader will stay grounded in his/her faith with regular Bible reading & prayer, interaction with fellow Christians, and even retaining an accountability partner.

Holding fast to your true identity is an absolute requirement – adopt these verses as the foundation key to your success:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  – Romans 12:2

and

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” - James 4:6

May you be blessed as you hold fast!

Reflection / Application

1. What weapons of distraction and alienation from your identity in Christ does your organization have at its disposal? 

2. Have you ever felt self-important because of leadership retention tools or privileges used in your organization? What happened? 

3. What is your strategy to retain humility and keep your identity in Christ secure, even at your workplace?