Wisdom

“As a leader, the greatest gift you give people is who you are becoming in Christ. People follow you for who you are more than what you do.” 
Dallas Willard

I am learning that others will often follow me because they see something inside of me that they appreciate. Wayne Cordeiro has said, "You teach what you know, but you reproduce what you are." 

As Christian leaders, we want to reproduce qualities that reflect God. In Ephesians 5:1-2, Paul tells us how we can bear that kind of fruit: "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." 

Following God's exemplary character helps us to grow in godliness and reproduce those character qualities in others. Yet, what does it mean to follow God’s example?

It means to love others because God is love. Jesus' willingness to die on the cross speaks of his love for the Father and us, as well. Following in Jesus' footsteps involves a moment-by-moment lifestyle of sacrificial love.

It means to be holy even as God is holy. Today, the word "integrity" catches something of what it means to be holy. As Christ followers, we strive to be beyond reproach―to live consistently according to the high standards outlined in Scripture.

God's example of justice sets a standard for us to act justly and to love mercy. As we pattern our lives after God's justice, we will treat others more fairly. We will seek to help the oppressed and change systems of oppression. 

God's wisdom inspires us to seek wisdom; to pursue it at all costs. How can we make the best decisions as leaders without God's wisdom? In Proverbs, we learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. As we submit ourselves to the Lord, He will help us make wise choices―something that affects every aspect of our lives.

Following God's example also means being humble. Jesus set an example of humility when he washed his disciples' feet. This was a task well beneath Jesus, a rabbi and teacher in Israel. Yet, his example calls us to serve others humbly regardless of our position and status. 

Have you ever been in a group conversation that completely changed direction after someone spoke up with a contrary viewpoint?

In Acts 5:17-42, we see that the Sanhedrin was furious with Peter and the apostles after they had defied their order to stop preaching in the name of Jesus. To make matters worse, the apostles had even accused the Jewish religious leaders of killing Jesus. The Sanhedrin was ready to stone the apostles when Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honoured by all the people, stood up in the assembly. He said, “Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:38-39). Gamaliel injected a wise voice of reason into the heated discussion, which convinced the Sanhedrin not to do anything rash. His contrary viewpoint challenged the groupthink that was occurring and completely changed the direction and outcome of the discussion.

It’s so important that we listen to the “Gamaliels” on our teams who speak wisely and help to focus our discussions. Sometimes, it is the quiet team member who brings this kind of wisdom to the table. As leaders and group members, it’s important that we create and support an open and safe atmosphere where everyone can contribute their insights. When a “Gamaliel” speaks, let’s be quick to listen and heed the wise voice of reason even when it means changing our direction.