Issue #42, October 20, 2010
Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, #6
Fight. Conquer. Win. Now we’re talking leadership! After emphasizing the importance of knowing our identity, the power of prayer, and leadership from the bottom, Paul closes his book with a call to engage in the cosmic battle that is raging around us. But his reflections on battlefield leadership take us in a very different direction than the latest leadership strategy. What can servant leaders learn from Paul’s instructions in Ephesians 6:10-18 about battlefield leadership?
Servant leaders recognize the enemy.
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (v. 12) Leadership involves movement which always produces friction. But servant leaders recognize that their battle is primarily spiritual. It’s not about numbers of members or customers. Profit is not the bottom line. Every servant leader is engaged in a cosmic battle against the forces of evil. Servant leaders in the business realm are called to defeat the enemies of greed, competition, and selfishness that drive our economies. Servant leaders in the educational sphere oppose godless ideologies. Servant leaders everywhere are called to set people free from the bondages of mistaken identities, poverty, broken relationships, and spiritual oppression. In our daily leadership it is easy to look at individuals or current challenges as our primary opponents, but Paul tells us that servant leaders keep their focus on the real enemy.
Servant leaders utilize their weapons.
“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (v. 13) Since the battle is not against flesh and blood Paul points servant leaders to the weapons that are available for the fight. Servant leaders are at the forefront of the battle and need the “full” armor to win. Servant leaders use all that is available to fight. Further, they recognize that they are fighting not for themselves, but for God’s kingdom and for those they serve. They boldly express righteousness and truth in the church and marketplace to fight against corruption and deception. They use faith, instead of clever leadership strategies, to withstand attacks. They pray all the time, in every place, with all kinds of requests. They stand boldly on the truth of the scripture and use it with authority in their offices, boardrooms, hallways, shops, and pulpits.
Servant leaders stand in victory.
“…when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (v. 13) For a time we might see dictators, greedy CEO’s, and false religions ruling our world. But Paul encourages us four times to stand our ground. Servant leaders operate from a position of strength in Christ. We are not retreating; we are defending and fleshing out the victory that Christ already won. We stand as Christ’s servant warriors, bold and confident of our ultimate victory and able to win the battle in the sphere of influence He has given to us.
For further reflection and discussion:
- What am I tempted to see as the enemy in my leadership?
- In what way does God want my leadership to wage war against the real enemy? (Be as practical as possible.)
- Reflect on the specific weapons that Paul lists in Ephesians 6:13-18. How are these weapons used in the realm of my leadership? How does my usage of these weapons make my leadership different than a leader who is not a servant?
- Are there areas in which I have been tempted to give up leading and accept defeat? What does it mean for me to rise up and “stand” in this situation?