Issue #37, August 11, 2010
Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, 1
Servant leaders influence greatly because they have a strong sense of their identity in Christ. Paul lays the foundation for our identity in Ephesians 1:1-14 and provides several key factors that shape our identity. The principles he lists apply to all believers, but three have special significance for servant leaders.
Servant leaders are blessed.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Eph. 1:3) Paul makes it clear that we have already received “every spiritual blessing in Christ” and servant leaders accept this truth as a part of their identity. This provides a positive attitude towards life. Instead of complaining about what they don’t have, servant leaders set an example for others as they focus on the many ways God has blessed them. They recognize that their influence is a blessing from God and they treat it as a gift.
Reflect: Do I see myself as a blessed leader?
Servant leaders are chosen.
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” (Eph. 1:4) Servant leaders accept the truth that God has chosen them as both a personal call to a relationship with God and a sense of call to the place of influence in which God has placed them. This call is not based on their performance but on the grace of God and provides a sense of purpose and meaning for their leadership. Leaders who know they are called have nothing to prove to others. This confidence should not produce pride but should instead allow the leader to call forth the best in others and to affirm the unique potential of all who follow them.
Reflect: Do I recognize God’s call on my life?
Servant leaders are forgiven.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” (Eph. 1:7-8) Forgiveness frees the servant leader from the burden of sin and allows them to extend the same grace to others. This does not mean overlooking poor performance or sin issues that need to be addressed but it means that they can lead others from a position of grace.
Reflect: Am I able to freely extend forgiveness to those I lead?
These three factors provide servant leaders with a deep sense of security that is reflected in the way they interact with other leaders as well as followers. Their identity is secure in Christ and they know they are blessed. They don’t need to struggle to appear significant; they find their significance in the fact that Christ chose them as a special person. They do not lead with a sense of guilt and unworthiness; they have experienced the freedom of forgiveness. Their leadership reflects the fact that their identity is secure in Christ as they bless others, call forth the best in others, and extend forgiveness to those who need it. Servant leaders who know their identity in Christ are powerfully influential. Reflect on Paul’s statements and settle any doubts about who you are in Christ.
In the next several issues, we’ll reflect on more leadership lessons from Ephesians.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Do I tend to focus on the negative or positive things in life? What impact does this have on my leadership?
- In what way do I possess a sense of call to my place of influence? Am I convinced that God has given me a gift of influence where I am?
- How easily can I call others to live out their own potential?
- Are there ways in the past week in which I have extended forgiveness to someone under my leadership?