Leadership Is … Unified Together #329
Nehemiah was a man of prayer, faith, vision, courage, action and team work. I’ll follow a Nehemiah leader at church, community and business any day.
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:4-5 NIV)
“From the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16 NIV)
“You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.” (Ephesians 2:21-22 (MSG)
What is your role? Are you a leader, a follower or a team player? Are you trusted? Trust is a rare and unique quality. It doesn’t matter whether you work or volunteer at work, church or neighborhood event trust is critical. Maybe one of the most damaging things to a reputation is the loss of trust. Secular research confirms that the best attributes of a leader are trustworthiness, willing to listen and sharing decisions. We can all learn from this.
Nehemiah led a team to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Paul led a team of young men travelling with him on his missionary journeys. They shared goals, resources focused on goals instead of their personal agenda. They trusted each other and were trusted by others. They showed openly their vision and values. They maintained integrity, were known to say what they mean. They were people of their word and they openly communicated Christ whether speaking in the temple or their place of work. They listened, taught and demonstrated a new idea for going to church.
We can all agree that Nehemiah, Paul and others were called to accomplish God’s purpose. What are you and I here at this place in our life journey called here to do?
Leadership is … showing respect and living lives of integrity.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach