"A Leadership Style That Works" by David W. Graves
1 Thessalonians 2:1–12
1 Thessalonians 2:1 You yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not fruitless. 2 On the contrary, although we had already suffered and been outraged in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage, united with our God, to tell you the Good News even under great pressure. 3 For the appeal we make does not flow from error or from impure motives, neither do we try to trick people. 4 Instead, since God has tested us and found us fit to be entrusted with Good News, this is how we speak: not to win favor with people but with God, who tests our hearts. 5 For, as you know, never did we employ flattering talk, nor did we put on a false front to mask greed — God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek human praise — either from you or from others. 7 As emissaries of the Messiah, we could have made our weight felt; but instead, we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother feeding and caring for her children. 8 We were so devoted to you that we were glad to share with you not only God’s Good News but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship, how we worked night and day not to put a burden on any of you while we were proclaiming God’s Good News to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless our behavior was in the sight of you believers; 11 for you know that we treated each one of you the way a father treats his children — 12 we encouraged you and comforted you and appealed to you to lead lives worthy of God, who calls you into his Kingdom and glory.
If there is one ingredient that is essential to the success of an organization, it is leadership. Whether it is a business, church, athletic team, military unit, or home, the secret of progress usually rests with those who are in charge—the leaders.
Our world abounds with information on the subject of leadership. This data is communicated through films, video tapes, DVDs, seminars, conferences, and books—all designed to help someone become a better leader. Sometimes the promises conveyed are trustworthy; however, more often than not, we are simply left with another set of techniques that frustrates and overwhelms us rather than giving freedom and confidence.
How can we become better leaders? What is leadership? A simple definition of leadership is “inspiring influence.” Those who lead with the greatest degree of success are able to light the spark that prompts others toward cooperation, hard work, and if necessary, personal sacrifice.
However, we should not assume that there is only one style of leadership. Some people are hard-charging, prima donna-like leaders who rely almost exclusively on outside motivation. Others lead in a very laid-back and quiet fashion, never raising their voices above a conversational tone. Yet both styles can be equally effective and inspiring. Compelling leaders can be found with various kinds of temperaments. In fact, I believe all of us are leaders to some degree—at work, church, and school, and with family and friends.
The Bible has much to say about leadership. In 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12, the Apostle Paul shows us a leadership style that works, though it is rarely explained and seldom modeled. Paul suggests four principles of leadership in these verses:
1. Sensitivity to the Needs of Others (v. 9). Leaders should try to cultivate a selfless, sensitive, and tender care for those who follow them.
2. Affection for People (v. 8a). Paul had a deep affection for the Thessalonians. He treated people not as a means to an end but as valuable in and of themselves. Leaders should love people in practical and appropriate ways.
3. Authenticity of Life (vv. 8b–10). Paul’s life was transparent and authentic.
4. Enthusiastic in Affirmation (vv. 11–12). People need enthusiastic support, affirmation, and encouragement.
Our ultimate objective as spiritual leaders should be to equip and encourage people to “… live lives worthy of God, who calls [them] into His kingdom and glory” (v. 12).
“Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, motivated by passion, generated by vision, produced by a conviction, ignited by a purpose.”[Tim Keller]
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