Do you consider yourself a follower of Jesus or a friend of Jesus? The difference is profoundly significant. The words Jesus gave His disciples invite us to an intimate friendship:

¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other  (John 15:14-17).

Friendship implies a close intimate relationship. Jesus reveals to the disciples that He desires an intimate friendship with them, much deeper than they have imagined. And He graciously shows them the way to this intimacy.

Intimate leaders are friends as they obey the commands of Jesus.

Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” Obedience is expected and required for the followers of Jesus. He gave many commands to be obeyed.  His commands in the context of this chapter focus on remaining or abiding in Him. Obedience to the commands to abide will produce intimacy and friendship. This is not a burdensome journey to win His friendship; it is a journey of deepening intimacy of relationship.  Intimacy without obedience is impossible; but obedience without intimacy happens to many leaders, myself included! 

Some leaders seek to win God’s favor through obedience alone without abiding. But serving leaders seek to walk so intimately with Jesus that they obey as friends on a journey. 

Intimate leaders are friends as they understand the desires of Jesus.

Jesus clarifies why simple obedience is not what He wants, “….a servant does not know his master’s business.” Jesus contrasts friendship and service and cautions all leaders that it is possible to perform actions of service for Him without intimacy with Him.  Servants are able to obey without really understanding the heart and desires of the master. They simply follow instructions. Jesus invites His disciples to move beyond mere obedience to a deeper understanding of His heart. He wants us to walk in obedience that flows from a deep friendship with Him.

Some leaders dutifully obey the commands of Jesus but remain far from His heart. They don’t cultivate the intimacy that is required to be a friend of Jesus. But serving leaders press in to find the heart of Jesus and as they understand His heart, live lives of joyful obedience. 

Intimate leaders are friends as they respond to the invitation of Jesus.   

Jesus makes it clear that this friendship is His choice, “You did not choose me, but I chose you….” We have the privilege of choosing our friends and Jesus has the same choice. Jesus chose us to be His friends! This must have been an astounding truth for the disciples who first heard these words. Jesus was inviting them into an intimate friendship with Himself. He was opening up His own life and heart to them and calling them to move beyond simple obedience to radical friendship. This was the culmination of all He had taught them about abiding in Him, to respond to His invitation to an intimate friendship.

Some leaders focus on their choice to follow Jesus and congratulate themselves for making the right choice. But serving leaders are amazed that Jesus chose them and joyfully choose to deepen their intimacy with Him. Then all their leadership flows from and is shaped by that response to the invitation of Jesus for friendship.

For further reflection and discussion:

As I reflect on my own leadership regarding how much I am a friend of Jesus, how would I rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10?      What blocks me from being a closer friend?

Is my obedience my attempt to win Jesus’ friendship, or does it flow out of my abiding in Him?  What is an example of that in my life in the past week?  

Do I see my relationship to Jesus more like a servant or a friend? How does this impact my leadership?

After reflecting on these questions, read the entire chapter, John 15. What additional insights do I find in this chapter about how my intimacy with Jesus shapes my leadership?  

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll begin a new series! If you would like this entire series on Intimacy in one document, click here to download.

Most leaders say that their people are valuable.  But serving leaders actually love like Jesus. An intimate relationship with Jesus becomes the foundation of the way they treat their teams, make decisions and build culture. Jesus talked about this dynamic love relationship:

  ⁹ “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. ¹¹ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. ¹² My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:9-13, NIV).  

Jesus calls His followers to live and lead with His love.

Intimate leaders experience the love of Jesus.

Jesus encourages His disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love.” Jesus experienced the love of the Father, shared that love with His disciples and now urges them to deeply and permanently experience His love. He calls them to “remain” in this intimate relationship with Him. Jesus never intended for us to only know Him in our minds; He wanted us to experience His love in a way that transforms our relationship with Him. This experience with the love of Jesus should come before our attempt to love others.

Some leaders know they should love others and treat them correctly, so they work hard on people skills and the art of influence. But serving leaders cultivate an intimate experience of the love of Jesus before they try to love others. 

Intimate leaders respond to the love of Jesus. 

“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love,…I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” Jesus understood that genuine love for another produces a desire to please them and to do what they want. So, He immediately links loving Him with obedience. He certainly wants His followers to obey what He calls them to do. But this is not a heavy, burdensome obligation, it is a response to love. He knows that we will be tempted to obey without experiencing His love, so he links obedience with joy—complete joy!

Some leaders seek to obey rules or a moral code but find it legalistic rather than life-giving. But serving leaders have experienced the love of Jesus and from that position respond with joy to His instructions. Their obedience flows from a loving relationship rather than an obligation.

Intimate leaders imitate the love of Jesus.  

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus tells His disciples that the greatest expression of their love will be to lay down their lives for others. This is the essence of serving leadership, giving one’s life in service to others. Jesus expects this result to flow from an intimate experience of His love.

Some leaders seek to serve others because they are convinced it will produce good results. They serve their team to achieve results. They serve with their head. This is commendable but very different from serving leaders who love others in response to the love they have received from Jesus. They reflect Jesus’ love in tangible ways in their workplace. They serve with their heart. 

For further reflection and discussion:

As I reflect on my own leadership regarding how much I love like Jesus, how would I rate myself on a scale of 1 to 10?      What blocks me from loving Him more?

At what level have I experienced the love of Jesus in my own heart and soul?  Does my service for Him flow out of a sense of duty or a response to His love?

Does my obedience result in deep joy in my heart or do I continually wonder if I am doing enough?

Do I approach my daily work with a sense of moral obligations or joyful obedience that flows out of a love relationship with Jesus? How does this impact my leadership? 

Does my service to others flow out of my head or my heart? Is my concern for my team based on universal leadership realities or my intimacy with Jesus?

After reflecting on these questions, read the entire chapter, John 15. What additional insights do I find in this chapter about how my intimacy with Jesus shapes my leadership?  

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how intimate leaders are friends of Jesus.

Joshua led Israel through a series of military campaigns to claim the land God had promised to them. But he didn’t rely on military tactics of his experience—he applied wisdom in his decisions, guided by surrender, obedience and adaptability. Though most serving leaders do not lead armies, they can learn powerful strategy lessons from Joshua’s example.  

 ¹³ Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” ¹⁴ “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Joshua 5:13-14, NIV).

¹³ The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the Lord and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the Lord, while the trumpets kept sounding. ¹⁴ So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days (Joshua 6:13-14).

⁹ After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. ¹⁰ The Lord threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon (Joshua 10:9-10).

Joshua applied wisdom by surrender.

Before Joshua carried out his first military action he had an encounter with a man blocking his progress. He asked a natural question of the man but was startled when he responded that he was the “commander of the army of the Lord.” Joshua appropriately surrendered! Before he commanded, he surrendered. This was not weakness; it was wisdom.

Many leaders assume that they are in charge and call others to follow. They charge ahead and sometimes ask God to bless their plans. But serving leaders surrender to a higher command. That surrender makes them better commanders.

Joshua applied wisdom by obedient risk taking.

Joshua’s surrender was critical when God gave what seems like foolish and unconventional directions for the battle at Jericho. But Joshua took the risk of moving forward in obedience. He marched around the city for 6 days, then 7 times on the final day, finally giving a united shout. He risked looking foolish losing everything on his first battle!  

Some leaders move forward only when the strategy is logical and clear. But serving leaders are willing to take risks of obedience when they have received instructions from God.

Joshua applied wisdom by embracing change.  

After demonstrating obedience, Joshua still had to learn to embrace change. When Joshua marched around Jericho it took a week. But when he attacked the coalition of kings who were against the Gibeonites, he employed an overnight march and took them by surprise. In many other situations, Joshua embraced change and used different tactics at God’s instruction. He refused to fall into the trap of believing that what worked previously should become the standard practice. He was able and willing to pivot and try new methods.

Some leaders find ways that work and then refuse to consider changes. But serving leaders are willing to consider new ways of accomplishing the mission. Their surrender to God’s instruction is the foundation from which they make decisions. 

For further reflection and discussion:

Have I fully surrendered to the authority of God to direct my life and leadership? What does this look like in my daily leadership practices?

Do I naturally take or avoid risks? How does that impact my leadership? Am I willing to take risks when I clearly hear God’s instruction? What do I do to ensure that I’m able to accurately hear God’s direction?

When is the last time I tried a new approach in my leadership? How open am I to change? How do I determine when change is healthy and when it is a distraction?

In addition to these reflections from Joshua’s life, consider the following examples of his military strategy as well as some from Proverbs: Joshua 6:1-27; 8:1-13; 11:1-9; Proverbs 15:22; 16:3, 9; 24:6   

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Joshua employed wisdom in times of division.  

As we saw in the last issue, Joshua began well in his new role by acknowledging the realities of his situation. As he began he heard God give him several promises. 

⁵  No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. ⁶  Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. ⁷  “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. ⁸  Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. ⁹  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:5-9).

At the beginning of his leadership journey Joshua heard and believed these promises which would become foundational to his leadership practice. God gave three promises that all serving leaders rely on, not only to begin their journey, but also to continue well.

God promises His presence.

“I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” God promised Joshua that whatever would happen to him as a leader, God would be with him. Leaders make difficult decisions and carry the burdens of knowing their decisions impact all those under their leadership. Sometimes there are choices which need to be made which will not be accepted by those they lead. The weight of these responsibilities can cause a leader to feel lonely. But God promised Joshua that in every situation, he would not be alone, he would have God’s presence with him. Serving leaders acknowledge that they need to draw on a source of wisdom and understanding especially as they step into new levels of responsibility or face unexpected challenges.  Serving leaders rely on God’s presence to give them wisdom for the challenges of leadership. His presence gives serving leaders an awesome advantage!

God promises His power.

Three times in these verses God tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.”  Joshua would need strength and power for his new role. He was to lead people into a new land and there would be battles ahead. Leadership requires strength. Joshua was expected to do his part, but it would not be enough. As he began this role, he needed to be aware that he would not succeed because of his own credentials or previous experience. He needed the additional power God promised. So God reminded him the land he would conquer was promised by God and would provide His power to help Joshua accomplish the task. The mission was His! Serving leaders receive training and learn from books and other excellent resources. They work hard and do all they can. But they also gratefully believe that God has promised them the power they need to do what He has called them to do.

God promises His plan.

God expected Joshua to lead well, but He also assured Joshua that He had a plan. He first gives Joshua personal instructions, to carefully obey God’s law so he would “be prosperous and successful.” God would later add more details to this plan but as Joshua began, obedience was the foundation. Serving leaders do not simply develop their own plans; they seek to follow God’s plans. They believe that God’s plan is far greater and more significant than what they can conceive on their own.

Joshua began well by believing the promises God gave him. Serving leaders do the same.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

(If you are not in a new role currently, consider how these question apply to the place where you now serve.)

• In my current leadership situation, how clearly do I sense God’s presence? What difference does it make in the way I lead? Are there things I need to do to increase my awareness of His presence in my daily activities?
• In what way do I need power right now in my leadership? Do I tend to rely only on my own power or do I regularly acknowledge my need for God’s power in my leadership?
• God commanded Joshua, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” In what way do I practice this in my own leadership? Are there changes I need to make to follow Joshua’s example?
• Does my leadership focus primarily on my plans or discovering and implementing God’s plans? In what way is God inviting me to learn more about His plans for my leadership?         

In the next issue, we’ll examine how serving leaders begin well by connecting with people.

Copyright, Center for Serving Leadership, 2020. 

David sought God for success; Absalom sought the advice of men. David often “inquired of the Lord” before he went to battle or made major decisions. He recognized that his success depended on God rather than his own human wisdom or ideas. He sought God’s direction before he listened to the counsel of others.

In contrast, Absalom sought only the advice of men. Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give us your advice. What should we do?” (2 Samuel 16:20). Absalom moved when he thought the people were ready, not at God’s instruction. He was like many subversive* leaders who test public opinion before deciding what to do. His primary concern was how others would respond, not God’s direction. He had no regard for God’s direction and instead looked to people around him to bring success.

Servant leaders look to God for success rather than their own plans. They are able to wait on God for direction. This does not mean they do not seek advice from others; even David had good counselors. But the ultimate direction for a servant leader will come from God, not from the views of others.

David measured success by obedience; Absalom measured success by outcomes. David was anointed to be the king but didn’t pursue that position; he simply walked in obedience to God and waited for His timing. David was a successful leader before he had a position because he was already “a man after God’s own heart.”

He recognized that his success was not measured by the outcomes of power or position but by his obedience. This is reflected in his statement to the priest, Zadok, as he was fleeing from Jerusalem. Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the LORD’s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him” (2 Samuel 15:25-26). David’s success was not measured by his role but in humble obedience to God.

Absalom, in contrast, was obsessed with becoming the king. His success was measured only on the outcome of getting power and position. By that standard Absalom was only successful for a few days.

Many leaders measure success by tangible markers like position, finances, numbers of people who follow, profit, expansion, etc. But servant leaders learn that the only valid measure of success is obedience. In some settings, a faithful leader may serve for years with very few visible results. Servant leaders measure success by obedience and leave the outcomes to God. Subversive leaders measure success by outcomes and obey God only if it helps them reach their goals.

David attributed success to the Lord; Absalom attributed success to himself. In many ways, David had evidence of the standard measures of success. He had power, a prized position, and accomplished much as a king. But he attributed his success to God’s presence. And he became more and more powerful, because the LORD God Almighty was with him (2 Samuel 5:10). David saw his success as an opportunity to bring glory to God and expressed his desire to build a temple for God.

In contrast, Absalom built a monument for himself. During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley as a monument to himself, for he thought, “I have no son to carry on the memory of my name.” He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day (2 Samuel 18:18). Absalom saw his leadership as an opportunity to advance himself. His leadership was only to draw attention to who he was and had nothing to do with who God was.

Many leaders join Absalom in using success to draw attention to themselves. They are quick to tell others, “See what I have done.” Subversive leaders turn success into monuments to themselves. But servant leaders turn success into monuments to God. What kind of monuments will you leave behind? It depends on how you answer the question, “Am I successful as a leader?”

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

• What is my own definition of success as a leader? Have I clearly defined it in my own life and leadership? How does David’s life challenge me to modify how I define success?
• In what way am I tempted as a leader to value the opinions of men more than God’s? How does that impact my decisions?
• Do I focus more on outcomes or obedience? Can I give one example from the past week of how that was reflected in my leadership?
• In what way can my position, power, or influence be used to bring glory to God? In what ways am I tempted to use them to bring glory to myself?
• What kind of monuments am I building with my life; are they monuments to God or to myself? How would those who follow me answer this question about my leadership?

*Subversive means to seek to undermine or destroy an established system. A leader who is subversive intends to overthrow the established authority to take power for themselves.

Copyright, Global Disciples 2018.

¹⁷ Gideon replied, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. ¹⁸ Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.” And the Lord said, “I will wait until you return.” ²² When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, “Alas, Sovereign Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” ²³ But the Lord said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” ²⁴ So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. ²⁵ That same night the Lord said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. ²⁶ Then build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of this height. Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, offer the second bull as a burnt offering.” ²⁷ So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime (Judges 6:17-18; 22-27).

 Potential is shaped by deepening intimacy. In his interaction with the angel, Gideon realized that he was actually in God’s presence. He was terrified, but the angel spoke words of peace to him. This deepening relationship with God was the foundation of Gideon’s leadership. Gideon worshipped before he worked. He learned to know God as One who is peace.

Servant leaders recognize that leadership begins with intimacy. They acknowledge that their relationship with Jesus is all that distinguishes them from other leaders. This intimacy gives the strength needed for the difficult challenges ahead. Gideon realized that true leadership begins with worship.

Potential is shaped by dealing with fear. Gideon struggled with fear. He was afraid of God’s presence, his family, and the townspeople. Gideon’s leadership is best known for the way he placed a fleece before the Lord and asked twice for confirmation that God would use him as a leader. (Read the story in Judges 6:36-40.)

All leaders have to deal with fear. They may fear failure or that no one will follow. They may fear shame or embarrassment. These fears keep many leaders from developing their potential. Servant leaders learn from Gideon that the best way to deal with fear is to deepen intimacy and to bring their fears to God. Then they learn to have confidence in God’s ability, not their own.

Potential is shaped by deliberate obedience. God gave clear instructions to Gideon about the next step. God chose Gideon to save the people from the Midianites, but the first step to shape his leadership potential was to lead at home. Gideon obeyed and took his first leadership action. He was afraid to do it during the day, but at least he obeyed at night! His leadership would become bolder with time and there would be mistakes along the way. But his potential could only be shaped as he stepped out in obedience.

Leaders develop in the field, not in the classroom. Leadership potential is shaped by action. Servant leaders learn to wait on God’s instructions before acting. Then they move in confident obedience. As they obey God, their potential is shaped and grows over time.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

• What happens if I try to lead before deepening my intimacy with God? What steps am I taking in my daily leadership journey to strengthen this intimacy?
• What are the greatest fears I have as a leader? In what way do these fears keep me from fully developing my potential? What can I learn from Gideon about these fears?
• How has my own potential been shaped by actions I have taken as a leader? Are there additional steps of obedience that God is calling me to take now?
• Gideon’s story suggests that shaping potential is a balance of God’s responsibility and the action of the leader. What is God’s part in shaping my potential? What is my part? What happens if I try to do God’s part? What happens if I expect God to do my part?

In the next issue, we’ll examine how Gideon shared his potential with others.

Copyright, Global Disciples, 2018.

Paul was a leader who knew when it was time to stay and when it was time to move on. But he also knew when it was time to change direction. We’ll examine how he adjusted his course in this account from his second missionary journey:

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day on to Neapolis (Acts 16:6-11). Paul was eager to preach in new regions and had a plan of where he wanted to go after visiting the churches he planted on his first journey. But his plan was not the right direction and he needed to change. His story helps all servant leaders know when it’s time to continue moving but to change direction.

It’s time to change direction when doors are closed.

Twice in this account Paul encountered closed doors. First, the Spirit kept him from preaching in Asia so he turned northward and kept moving. He moved toward another province and again, the Spirit would not allow them to enter. It must have been frustrating for this visionary leader to move and then not be able to continue. We don’t know how Paul heard God’s direction but it was clear that he was moving in the wrong direction. The door was closed. This was not opposition to the message; it was clearly a closed door.

It is ironic that the Holy Spirit stopped them from preaching! Servant leaders learn that sometimes God stops them from doing something good because He has something better.

Notice Paul’s response. He did not try to force the door to open. Neither did he stop and wait for clarity. He just turned and moved in another direction. Although Paul lived before vehicles existed, he understood the principle that it is easier to steer a moving car than a parked one. Servant leaders do not sit and wait for instructions; they move in the direction which seems right and allow God to change the direction as needed. They recognize that closed doors sometimes mean new opportunities. Unless God says “wait,” keep moving and allow Him to change the course as needed.

It’s time to change direction when God reveals another direction.

Paul finally reached Troas, a coastal city far from his original plan. There he had a vision at night that revealed to him the direction God wanted him to take. We cannot know why God waited to give this call until Paul had walked many miles and spend days on the road moving in other directions. But now the direction is clear to Paul and it is obviously time to go to Macedonia. His response was simple obedience.

We can easily miss the significance of this change. Paul’s vision was to continue preaching in the region of current day Turkey. Instead, God sent him to Europe! The history of the Church was changed because Paul was a leader who understood when it was time to change direction. Most of us can likely trace our faith journey to the impact of the Gospel coming to Europe. Servant leaders quickly change direction when God reveals the way forward.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How have I responded in the past to closed doors? (Trying to get them to open, giving up, waiting, etc.) What can I learn from Paul’s life?
• Has God closed some doors in my life to redirect my plans? What can I learn from that?
• Are there current areas of my leadership that are closed doors? What may God be saying to me about these areas?
• When God reveals a new direction, am I willing to quickly obey even when it comes at great cost, as it did for Paul?

There’s a time to sit down and make a plan, but then there’s a time to move into action! We examined planning in our last issue; now we will look at when it’s time to move. Consider this account from the prophet Haggai. This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.'" Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD (Haggai 1:2-8)

The plans for the temple were available but the people said that it wasn’t yet time to act. God’s response, through the prophet, was that it was time to move! God’s rebuke provides principles that help servant leaders know when it’s time to move into action.

It’s time to move when current priorities are wrong.

"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" The prophet rebuked the people for building their own homes when God’s house was in disrepair. God reminded them that it was not right for them to have well built homes while the temple was in disrepair. It was time for them to move on to the building of the temple. This was an issue of priorities. They were busy with activities that were less important and this kept them from moving on to better things. It is easy to stay busy with things that seem important; it is more difficult to know when it’s time to change our focus. Servant leaders ask if the activity they are doing is actually God’s priority for their lives. If not, they move to the one that is.

It’s time to move when the current approach is not working.

God reminds the people that they were in trouble. "Give careful thought to your ways.” They had serious problems but they failed to see the relationship between their misplaced priorities and the unpleasant circumstances they were in. It was time to move and make a change! Servant leaders can persevere when that is the need. But they also are willing to look around and acknowledge that their current actions are not moving them in the right direction. They do not accept the current situation as the ideal. They see that it is time to change!

It’s time to move when God’s direction is clear.

God made His direction very clear to the people. “Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house…” He called the people to action, not thinking or planning. God’s direction is not always logical or in line with our reasoning. His direction may not always match the plans we have made. But when His direction is clear, it’s time to move! Servant leaders look for God’s direction and when it is clear they refuse to allow other priorities, lack of resources, or a busy schedule to keep them from following in obedience.

Plan well and then move into action. Unless it is clear that it is time to wait, it’s time to move!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Is my natural tendency to plan or to act? How does that impact my leadership and what can I do to balance the two?
• Is there a project or task I am doing now that keeps me from doing a more important activity? If it is time for a change, what needs to happen?
• In what ways is my current approach working well? In what ways is it not working well? Are the challenges I am facing a call to persevere or a call to change directions?
• Are there any areas in which God has clearly indicated His direction to me and I have not yet moved into action? If yes, what has kept me from moving and what will I change to walk in obedience? If God has not clearly indicated direction, have I taken the time to listen?

New Years is a time leaders reflect, recalibrate, and refocus for the year ahead. Servant leaders do the same but as they do so they also ask, “What are God’s goals for my life and what do I need to do this year to accomplish them?” We may need to remind ourselves of His overall goal for each of us that He gave 2000 years ago: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus gave this commission to His disciples and to us today. His goal or mission for us is clear: to make disciples. We should ensure that we include two elements of His mission in our plan for this year.

Be disciples.

Before going and making disciples Jesus calls us to be disciples. A disciple is simply one who is following and learning. What does this imply for servant leaders? “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). His intent is clear; we are to follow Jesus in ways that result in bringing others to Him. Following should lead to fishing! Servant leaders desire to follow more each year so that they can influence more each year. They identify areas of disobedience and set goals that lead to obedience. They also continue to learn as disciples. They recognize that they never graduate from the school of discipleship. They have a passion to grow and set goals to move them in the direction of becoming more like Jesus. Where is God inviting you to learn this year? What will you do to be a growing disciple? What will you do to make it happen? Servant leaders set goals to be disciples.

Make disciples.

Christ’s mission for each of us is to make disciples. He expects us to make progress this year in making disciples! Every believer, and especially leaders, should be influencing those who are not yet disciples to come to Jesus. With so many good leadership activities and goals, it is easy to forget that this is our core calling. Many leaders focus on increasing their income or attendance as they make plans for the year. Jesus calls servant leaders to focus on making disciples. We need to do this in at least two arenas: locally and globally. Jesus made it clear that the disciple making process begins at home, our “Jerusalem.” (See Acts 1:8). Servant leaders look around at those near them to see who they can influence in discipleship. They see family at home, associates at work, relationships at school, and partners in business all as potential disciples. As they make goals for the year, they prayerfully focus on key relationships and find time to invest in influencing these persons to become disciples. Servant leaders make disciples at home but also acknowledge that Jesus’ goal is for disciples of “all nations” and they have a part to play globally. Leaders create change, and there is no greater cause for servant leaders than the current global realities 2,000 years after Jesus’ command. Our world has more than 7.3 Billion people. Of these, over 2 Billion have never even heard Jesus’ call to follow Him! Servant leaders do not accept this situation and take active steps to make a difference. They accept the challenge to pray daily for God to send workers to the harvest (Matthew 9:37). They give finances to see disciples made in the unreached areas of our world (Matthew 6:21). And they are willing to go in obedience to Jesus’ command, unless God calls them to stay and support those who go!

Servant leaders make goals to ensure that this will be a year of being a disciple and making disciples. They lead on His Mission as partners in the Great Commission!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Reflect on last year. In what ways did you learn and grow as a disciple? In what ways did this increase your influence in the lives of others?
• In what specific area of your life does God desire for you to learn and grow this year? What specific actions can you take to develop as a disciple in this area? (Write down your goals and share them with someone who can hold you accountable.)
• How is God inviting me this year to make disciples at home? In my vocation? In my community? What specific goals should I make to obey?
• Who do I know personally who is not currently a follower of Jesus in whom God wants me to invest time and effort this year to bring to Him? What is my current level of relationship with this person? What steps can I take to increase my influence in their life? What needs to change in my schedule to allow this to happen?
• What is God’s goal for me this year in response to the 2 Billion who have never heard? In what specific ways will this impact my praying? My giving? My going?

This Christmas we are looking at Mary and Joseph, both great servant leaders and together one of the most influential couples in history. In this issue we’ll turn our attention to Mary, the better known of the two and the one often mentioned first. In Luke 1:26-56 the story of her encounter with the angel and her visit to Elizabeth is recorded. Let’s observe what she did as a servant leader that gave her such great influence.

Mary humbled herself.

Perhaps the clearest example of Mary’s humility is her response to the angel’s announcement, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38). After her questions, Mary’s response shows that she humbly surrendered to God’s direction for her life. Servant leaders recognize that before they are called to serve others they see themselves as the “Lord’s servant.” Then they humbly walk in obedience to His instruction.

Mary honored God.

Many people honor Mary but scripture makes it clear that she honored God above herself. “From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me– holy is his name” (Luke 1:48-49). Mary recognized that she would be remembered by “all generations,” which has indeed happened. Mary saw her destiny as great, but glorified God. Like Joseph, she is not looking for fame or monuments in her name; she turns all honor back to God. She continues with verse after verse praising God for what He has done. She, and all servant leaders who follow, turn the blessing of influence into opportunities to praise God. Servant leaders recognize that leadership is not about themselves; it is all for God’s glory.

Mary helped others.

Right after hearing from the angel Mary ran to see her relative Elizabeth. Both Mary and Elizabeth were chosen by God to fulfill a special part of the Christmas story and their experience of coming together still inspires all of us today. Certainly, for Mary, it was a precious gift to be with Elizabeth for the first months of her pregnancy. But Mary’s visit also helped Elizabeth to be a better person. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41). Mary didn’t come to Elizabeth to build herself up or elevate her child over Elizabeth’s. Rather, being who she was and sharing her own journey of obedience to God’s call impacted the life of Elizabeth in a profound way. Mary’s song of praise to God shaped the life of Elizabeth and countless others who read it later. That’s what servant leaders do; they help others by lifting their spirits. Sometimes this is a deliberate process of using encouraging words, speaking affirmation and life into those we lead. At other times we help others simply by living our lives in humble obedience as Mary did. This inspires and helps others on their own journeys. Who around you this Christmas needs your help? Follow Mary’s lead and reach out to someone. Share your story or sing your song as you extend your hand to the person God will allow you to touch for His purposes.

Individually Joseph and Mary led as servants. But together, as a couple, they walked in humble obedience and influenced not only their own generation, but the entire world. A couple multiplies the impact! This Christmas season, the world can use a couple more servant leaders. If married, will you join together with your spouse to ask God to make you doubly influential as a couple for His glory in the coming year?

For further reflection and discussion:

• Read the entire account of Mary’s story in Luke 1:26-56. What do you observe from her life that can teach you as a leader? What was the secret of her lasting influence?
• Can your leadership be characterized as humble? Why or why not? What actions in the past week reflect your humility? Are there actions God is inviting you to make to humble yourself as a leader?
• In what way does God use your influence? What might be His purpose for your influence? How can you more effectively use your influence to honor God?
• Is your leadership primarily to help yourself achieve your goals or is it to help others? What action demonstrates this reality? Are there ways this season God wants to use your influence to help others?
• If married, in what ways does your relationship together multiply your influence? Are there changes you need to make to increase this influence? Talk about it and pray together, a great way to begin a new year!