And don’t let anyone put you down because you are young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanour, by love, by faith, by integrity. (1 Timothy 4:12 MSG).
The christians are the stewards of the message of Christ. We are the ones He has authorized to carry forth His message to the people and teach them the same. This means that the responsibility of leadership has been thrust upon us. Jesus has made us leaders; He’s made us light to shine in our worlds and show others the way.
To be a leader, you don’t necessarily have to be the head of an organization. Genesis 39:1-5 tells us about Joseph, who was a slave in the house of Potiphar, yet the bible says he was a prosperous and effective man. He exhibited leadership qualities that distinguished him from all the other slaves, and soon enough, he was put in charge of Portiphar’s own estate.
Your greatness isn’t in the definition of your assignment, but in the quality of your spirit, the excellence of your character. Thus, even as a janitor, cleaner, or a manager in an organisation, you can be so exceptional, exemplary, and inspiring.
Make up your mind to be that one person who will excel in whatever he does. If you work for an organisation, let your colleagues learn from you as they see you do more than you’re paid for. If you’re a politician, set an example for other politicians and be forthright. No matter your vocation, let your proficiency be a testimony of the excellent spirit within you. As a parent, set good examples for your children.
Wherever you go, let people see your mark as a child of God. You’ve been sent to lead, therefore be that worthy example! Teach those in your home, school, neighbourhood, and workplace how to live and do things right through your words, character, love, faith, and integrity.
Many desire a quiet and peaceable life; yet, they neglect the action the Lord says would cause it to happen. The Word of God is clear on what we must do to make our nations the haven of peace and prosperity that God ordained them to be: we are to pray for all men, including leaders at every level or position of authority.
Therefore, make it a culture, every day, to pray for your president and all those who work with him; pray for the governors. In your state, city, or community, pray for the leaders at every level and for those who work with them. Pray for the community heads, the judges, the leaders of the police and the armed forces, the heads of the different institutions and parastatals in your nation.
When you pray for them like this, the prosperity in your nation will blossom, and the people will profit from the good that’s in the land. The Bible tells us in Isaiah 1:19, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” There’s more wealth in your nation than you can imagine, but the onus is on God’s people to do the needful; act on the Word. Pray for your nation and its leaders as God has instructed.
The solution is not in protesting or bringing down the government. Even if you removed a leader and replaced him or her with another, it wouldn’t change the root issue. The real solution is in prayer—praying according to this pattern, which Paul outlined by the Spirit: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men, and for all in authority or positions of leadership.
Even now, take the next few minutes to pray for those in authority in the nation where you live, work, or do business. Create the conditions for a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty in your nation through your heartfelt prayers as directed by the Spirit.
As a Christian, one of the ways you make spiritual advancement is by striving for the faith of the Gospel of Christ. Make up your mind that you’re going to stand firm, and work with other believers in the Church to advance the cause of the Gospel; to spread the righteousness of God in your world and in the regions beyond. Be committed to it, and refuse to be an observer on the sidelines. Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations…” (Matthew 24:14).
Don’t be merely content to be a member of a local church. Be actively involved as a partner, a co-labourer with God for the expansion of His Kingdom on earth. Jesus said, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). We’re His partners in soul winning. There’s a difference between a member and a partner; a member is someone who’s in the boat with you, while a partner is someone who’s paddling together with you. A partner is involved in the work.
The Bible says the Church grows and develops through that which every joint supplies (Ephesians 4:16). Your role in Kingdom expansion, in world evangelism, is vital. Spread the Gospel as though you’re the only person charged with the responsibility. Do it to the best of your ability.
In 2 Corinthians 12:15, Paul said he would very gladly spend and be spent for the sake of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:16, he affirmed with such profundity, “…necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”
The same message that Paul and the other apostles preached, which Jesus Himself began both to do and teach, is what we have the privilege to take to our world today. What an honour to be bearers of the glorious Gospel of the blessed Lord Jesus Christ in our generation! There’s no better reason for living than to be a soul winner.
Characteristics of A Good Associate Leader
1. ETERNITY DRIVEN: He must be eternity driven. Not materialistic or earthly conscious. Wise, and driven by his love for Jesus and the church, more than following his principles blindly without asking questions
2. DEPENDABILITY: You can depend on him. You can count on him. He is dependable.
3. INTEGRITY. One whose Character is not in question. If you fail the integrity test, you can’t succeed as an assistant pastor.
4. TEACHABILITY: He is teachable. Can be trained and retrained as the occasion permits.
5. CONNECTIVITY: One that connects with you very well. He can flow with the Grace of God upon your life.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY: You can trust him with certain assignments and information that requires confidentiality. He is a secret keeper.
7. STABILITY: He must be stable. Can do the same thing in the same place for a long time. Not an unstable Man.
8. HUMILITY: Not a proud Man. Must be very humble. Not proud in all aspects of lives and many more
-GSW-