“If you want to change how your company (church) works, then change how your people think. The most powerful force in business isn’t greed, fear, or even the raw energy of unbridled competition. The most powerful force in business “is love” (Fast Company). Love is Biblically based and recommended within the dot com companies. As this is true for the dot com industry, then because it is Biblically based, it is certainly relevant for our churches today.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. The greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 & 13 NIV). Christ commanded us to “love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12 NIV). Further, as Christ “loved his own” (John 13:1 NIV) the Christian Servant Leader “must not quarrel, instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful…gently instruct” (11 Timothy 2:24-25 NIV), to lead with characteristics of “above approach…temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…not violent but gentle…not a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:1-3 NIV).
As a leader, what can you do to demonstrate God’s love? Angie Mays in her book the Courteous Rebel suggests, “Servant Leadership is being a servant first. The essence of servant leadership is leading by example.” Further, in reference to the shepherd, (Ezekiel 34:2 NIV), “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not the shepherd take care of the flock?” As Christian leaders, we are not here to serve “your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4 NIV).
Leadership is, demonstrating God’s love by Loving and caring for those you serve. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35 NIV).
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethrogroup
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com