Issue #96, December 19, 2012
In the past two issues we looked at Jesus as an example of a leader who led from a position of intimacy and Martha as an example of one who led towards intimacy. Jesus was able to wash feet freely; Martha couldn’t even wash the dishes without complaining! How can we, as servant leaders, learn to lead from a position of intimacy? Three steps will help each of us on this journey.
Identify hindrances to intimacy.
The first step is to identify things in my own life which keeps me from living and leading from a position of intimacy. Ask some hard questions: Why do I so desperately crave the approval of people? Why do I feel compelled to work so hard? Why is it hard for me to accept criticism? It may take time before the hindrances are obvious. Some common hindrances include pride, pain of rejection we have experienced, a wrong view of God or lies which we accept as truth. Pride often keeps us from accepting God’s love for us. It may seem honorable, but at the root is a focus on self and my own unworthiness. Rejection from others often leaves us feeling deeply wounded and we build emotional walls around the hurt to make sure it doesn’t happen again. This makes it hard for us to believe that God does not reject us. If we view God as a spiritual policeman it will be hard to believe that He longs for a close relationship with us.
Find healing and truth for lies.
Many of the things which keep us from true intimacy with Jesus have roots in lies that we believe about ourselves, God or others. These lies become deeply rooted in our thinking until we accept them as truth. But they are not true! We need healing and deliverance from these lies and will sometimes need help from a friend, counselor or trusted advisor. After we identify false beliefs, we must replace the lies with the truth of what God actually says about the same issue. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). A powerful way to do this is to use the ‘truth declaration’ included below on a daily basis.
Pursue intimacy with God.
Intimacy with God is a relationship and like all relationships it will suffer from neglect but thrive on attention. God is running towards us in pursuit of our hearts and a deep relationship with us. Let’s also run towards Him! One of the ways we can pursue intimacy is through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Bible reading, meditation, prayer, and fasting can all draw us closer to the heart of God. Learning to be still and to listen is a key in experiencing intimacy. Finding our Sabbath rest on a weekly basis is one practice that will help to realign our hearts with His and reminds us that we can stop doing and simply be. In that rest we can again hear the voice of our Father speaking to us as He spoke to Jesus, “You are my child whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17, paraphrased)
Stop and listen until you hear that voice and it sinks deeply into your soul. Then rise up and lead from a place of intimacy, serving Him who passionately loves you as you serve others. Your world is waiting to see Jesus in your leadership.
For further reflection and discussion:
- Why do I so desperately crave the approval of people? Why do I feel compelled to work so hard? Why is it hard for me to accept criticism?
- What lies have I believed about myself, God, or others which keep me from an intimate relationship with Jesus? (For example, If you do well, you are loved.” “If you look good, you are valued.” “When you work hard, you have worth.” “If you open your heart, you will be hurt again.” “God saved you but He doesn’t really love you.”)
- What is the truth for each lie I have believed?
- In what ways is God inviting me to pursue intimacy with Him? What needs to change in my life this week to make this happen?
Truth Declaration: (repeat out loud daily until you believe every word!)
I am deeply loved by the Almighty God. He values me and calls me His bride. He pursues me in creation, with singing and most of all through His son, Jesus who lived and died because of His passion for a relationship with me. He delights in me and sings over me with love!
I consciously reject the lies I formerly believed about myself and choose instead to believe the truth of God’s word about me.
My worth in Christ is not dependent on what I do. My performance is not the basis of my worth; instead it is rooted in His performance which is perfect. My value comes in my relationship with Him, not in my work for Him. I humbly accept His praise in place of the need to be affirmed by others. I accept with gratitude His unconditional love for me.
I am motivated to serve others by His grace in my life; not by guilt. I can relax and rest in His love and listen to His instructions before acting. I am accepted as I am and empowered by God to become who He calls me to be. He receives all the glory for whatever He can do with my life. I love Him because He first loved me. Today I will live and lead from a position of intimacy with Jesus.