Bible Reading: Psalm 2; 1 Peter 3:15-22.
“Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” – 1 Peter 3:22 (KJV)
A leader is one who creates an inspiring vision of the future and motivates and inspires people to engage with that vision. In summary, a leader is a person who influences people towards the achievement of a goal. For us as Christians, a Christian leader is one who influences others out of Christ’s interest in their lives so they accomplish Gods purposes for and through them. And a good leader will always get followers no matter the circumstance. People generally are interested in results and while it is possible to get good results through crooked means for a while, it is a matter of time, the truth will come out. But good results will follow a good leader.
Jesus Christ started with two disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew his brother (Matthew 4:18) and grew this number to twelve by the results he was able to show them. In Luke 5:3-11, Peter and his brother followed Jesus because he demonstrated to them his ability to give to them what they did not have. Every man has the need for greatness or increase and will naturally go to where that need will be met. A leader may not be able to provide that need but should be able to point out how that need may be met. As Christians, you are made to be a leader. Psalm 82:6 (KJV) says: “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.” So as gods, you are leaders. Hence, God has given everyone talents that should be developed and used for the upliftment of mankind but our inability to do this has led to most living below the standard of God for their lives. Jesus saw this lacuna in the lives of men and decided to fill it by redirecting men to their destiny. Naturally, there will be opposition and that led to the death of our Lord and Saviour but before and after his death, the institution he started with two brethren has grown tremendously beyond the imagination of man, and it is still growing!
No doubt, we need to learn from our Saviour and the first lesson is what has God given you to impact the world positively? Have you found it out? If so, what are you doing with it for the benefit of mankind? As you benefit the world, you also get better. On the other hand, if you have not found out what your talent is. It is not too late. You can always find it out. You need to seek the face of God by asking him what he has purposed you to do. This can be done by fasting and praying to him asking your specific questions.
Secondly, the Lord teaches us about servant leadership such that why men of the world lord over their subjects, Christian leaders are expected to serve their followers. It is this service that led to the death of Jesus on the cross which ended up placing him above all. 1 Peter 3:22 (KJV) says it all: “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
Prayer: Father help me to exercise my role as a servant leader in every sphere of my life.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero