The Courage to Lead

2Co 4:1-5  Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.

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2Co 4:15  Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
2Co 4:16  So we do not lose heart.

Good leadership requires courage.

It requires the courage to live with what St Paul calls “the open statement of the truth” . This is difficult, because as fallible human beings we all make mistakes – (even illustrious leaders!) – and it is tempting to cover up our mistakes with lies, half-truths and denial. Paul invites us to turn from our own fragile egos and remember that “we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ”. This can be immensely liberating, because Jesus-followers are free to admit “the shameful things that one hides” and our dependence on Him. When we do so we refuse to practice cunning” and instead “commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God”

Do not “lose heart’ when you see the corruption and the manipulation of the truth by other people.  Instead make the decision to become known for your own personal integrity. This is the beginning of good leadership.

A great leader's courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.
- John Maxwell

  

 

  

Fourth  Sunday of Easter

The Good Shepherd

Scripture reading taken from A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants p.160