Issue #97, January 15, 2013
The beginning of the year is a good time to set goals and look forward to what God has in store for us as servant leaders this year. I hope you’ve already thought about what you want to accomplish through your leadership this year. But have you thought about why you will lead this year? Paul addresses this in his challenge to the Thessalonians, “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). In light of the promise of Christ’s soon return Paul prays that they would accomplish their purposes (goals) and actions. But he goes on to give the reason for this prayer–that Jesus would be glorified in them. He recognized that everything servant leaders do should be focused on glorifying the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul cites three ways that we lead for His glory.
We lead for His glory when we focus on His calling.
“worthy of his calling” Paul reminds them and us that we are called by God. Our leadership is to focus on this calling, not our own ambitions. We are worthy of His calling as we walk in obedience to His direction. His call may lead us in directions that are not comfortable for us or which do not bring prestige or recognition. Servant leaders consider their goals in light of God’s purpose for their lives instead of their own interests. Then they move with confidence that they are not simply accomplishing goals but fulfilling the call of God in their lives.
We lead for His glory when we rely on His power.
“by his power” Paul makes it clear that the goals and actions we take will be fulfilled by relying on “His power” to accomplish them. If we believe we can accomplish any goal with our own strength we forget how fragile life is and how quickly our strength can be taken away from us. If our goal does not require His power, it is likely too small a goal. Servant leaders acknowledge that success does not come by their own effort or power; it is a gift from God. They rely on God to do things which they cannot accomplish on their own. They invite Him into their business, church or office through prayer and humbly admit that they need God’s power to accomplish their goals.
We lead for His glory when we act because of faith in Him.
“every act prompted by faith” Paul recognizes that there are different things that can prompt our actions. We can act out of fear or out of faith. We glorify God when we step out as an act of faith in response to His guidance. In what area of leadership is God calling you to step out in faith in this New Year? Perhaps it is to launch a new initiative or to change directions in the midst of success. Perhaps it is to give before you see the fruit of your harvest. Servant leaders seek to hear the voice of God in making plans to act and often take steps of faith.
A servant leader sets goals that are in line with God’s call. These goals can only be accomplished with His power and are an expression of faith in Him. God is glorified no matter the outcome. Add another goal to your list: “I will lead in ways that bring God glory this year in my family, my vocation and in my areas of service.”
For further reflection and discussion:
- What is God’s purpose for my life? How do the goals that I have set help to accomplish this purpose? Are there goals which detract me from that purpose?
- To what degree do I expect to be able to accomplish my goals with my own strength? What goals do I have that clearly require God’s intervention for completion?
- Are there goals I have made because of fear? What is the fear? What is the result when my goals express fear instead of faith?
- How do my goals reflect my faith in God? (If you don’t find specific ways, take time to change your goals.)