"When a person in authority demands obedience of another, irrespective of the latter's reason and conscience, this is tyranny. On the other hand, when, by the exercise of tact and sympathy, prayer, spiritual power and sound wisdom, one is able to influence and enlighten another, so that a life course is changed, that is spiritual leadership." Quote by D.E. Hoste in Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
Oh, how our world is in desperate needed of genuine spiritual leadership today - in our churches, our parachurch ministries, our schools, our workplaces, our homes, our neighborhoods, etc. There are many who aspire to leadership, even and sometimes especially Christians, for one reason: the power that comes with a position of leadership. However, just because one is in a position of leadership does not make that person a true leader - especially from a Christian worldview perspective. Many so-called Christian leaders are not more leaders than they are simply tyrants - having to have things done their way and their way alone. A Christian who is a true leader is not characterized by the t-word "tyrant" but instead by another t-word "towel". A Christian who is a true spiritual leader is characterized first and foremost by the attitude of being "servant to all". Several of the characteristics of a servant leader can be found in the above quote. Tact - having the necessary sensitivity when dealing with difficult people or issues or both. Sympathy - having the appropriate feelings for others in their times of misfortune. Prayer - having two-way communication with the One we should most oft communicate with. Spiritual Power - resulting from a complete and utter dependence upon the power of the Spirit and not the power of self. Sound Wisdom - having the ability to rightly apply knowledge in handling difficult situations and negotiating complicated relationships. Able to Influence and Enlighten Another - having to do with the style of leadership and the character of the one leading. The only way that the life of our churches - our parachurch ministries - our schools - our workplaces - our homes - our neighborhoods - our nation - our world - will be changed is when Christians in leadership positions make the decision to truly exercise and exhibit genuine Christian, spiritual leadership. Here is my question for you (and me): How are you going to lead: tyrant or towel?
Oh, how our world is in desperate needed of genuine spiritual leadership today - in our churches, our parachurch ministries, our schools, our workplaces, our homes, our neighborhoods, etc. There are many who aspire to leadership, even and sometimes especially Christians, for one reason: the power that comes with a position of leadership. However, just because one is in a position of leadership does not make that person a true leader - especially from a Christian worldview perspective. Many so-called Christian leaders are not more leaders than they are simply tyrants - having to have things done their way and their way alone. A Christian who is a true leader is not characterized by the t-word "tyrant" but instead by another t-word "towel". A Christian who is a true spiritual leader is characterized first and foremost by the attitude of being "servant to all". Several of the characteristics of a servant leader can be found in the above quote. Tact - having the necessary sensitivity when dealing with difficult people or issues or both. Sympathy - having the appropriate feelings for others in their times of misfortune. Prayer - having two-way communication with the One we should most oft communicate with. Spiritual Power - resulting from a complete and utter dependence upon the power of the Spirit and not the power of self. Sound Wisdom - having the ability to rightly apply knowledge in handling difficult situations and negotiating complicated relationships. Able to Influence and Enlighten Another - having to do with the style of leadership and the character of the one leading. The only way that the life of our churches - our parachurch ministries - our schools - our workplaces - our homes - our neighborhoods - our nation - our world - will be changed is when Christians in leadership positions make the decision to truly exercise and exhibit genuine Christian, spiritual leadership. Here is my question for you (and me): How are you going to lead: tyrant or towel?
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