Leading Others to Do God's Will - Proverbs 25-26 and II Corinthians 9
This last section of the book of Proverbs has a lot to say about leaders and leadership. Some people are put in positions of authority, in which it is their responsibility to lead others. This applies to kings, presidents, and other people in society. God intends for these people to be good examples and for them to lead the people to do His will. They are judged for how they lead the people and for how the conduct themselves personally. Even though they can't really force people to do the right thing, there is a lot they can do to encourage people. Think about the principles God gives for leaders in these last several chapters, and ask the Holy Spirit to build them into your life, because all of us are leaders in some way.
It is obvious from reading these chapters that leaders need to be careful about what they say and how they live. People look at them, and they are influenced by their lifestyle. Also, it is important to choose righteous assistants. A leader must know that a foolish person will not hold up under pressure. Therefore, he should not delegate responsibilities to an unrighteous person. Furthermore, a leader must have God's wisdom for his decisions. These are just a few of the principles spelled out here. See how many you can find as you read.
Then, read II Corinthians 9 as a case study in leadership. Paul is leading the believers at Corinth to contribute generously to the poor saints in Israel. Notice how he encourages them and holds them accountable. He gives them the truth of God in such a way that they can clearly see what they need to do, but he does it in a way that he does not force them. It is still their decision. We need this in churches today, not just from the pastor, but from all of the leaders. God wants us all to lead others to do His will for the right reason and in the right way. What are you doing to be a godly leader? Do you realize how much your life influences others either for good or for evil? I hope each of us will take time to consider the importance of leadership.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Proverbs 27-29 and II Corinthians 10.
It is obvious from reading these chapters that leaders need to be careful about what they say and how they live. People look at them, and they are influenced by their lifestyle. Also, it is important to choose righteous assistants. A leader must know that a foolish person will not hold up under pressure. Therefore, he should not delegate responsibilities to an unrighteous person. Furthermore, a leader must have God's wisdom for his decisions. These are just a few of the principles spelled out here. See how many you can find as you read.
Then, read II Corinthians 9 as a case study in leadership. Paul is leading the believers at Corinth to contribute generously to the poor saints in Israel. Notice how he encourages them and holds them accountable. He gives them the truth of God in such a way that they can clearly see what they need to do, but he does it in a way that he does not force them. It is still their decision. We need this in churches today, not just from the pastor, but from all of the leaders. God wants us all to lead others to do His will for the right reason and in the right way. What are you doing to be a godly leader? Do you realize how much your life influences others either for good or for evil? I hope each of us will take time to consider the importance of leadership.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Proverbs 27-29 and II Corinthians 10.