Context is an interesting word with a variety of meanings and applications. From application within a particular written document to specific circumstances or statements, the context determines our approach.

What is the “context” of our leadership?

By examining the circumstances surrounding our opportunity to lead, what approach are we taking when it comes to leading others?

Do we find ourselves out of context?

One of the dangers regarding context involves taking something, or in this case, someone, out of context. I have heard that when we remove something from its context, it becomes a pretext.

Would this describe our approach in leadership?

We need to serve within the context which God has given us to serve. We need to be careful and avoid allowing our leadership to become a pretext for something more self-serving. We must take heed to our approach of leadership.

The context of our Lord’s leadership was one of a servant, placing the needs of others above His own. Our leadership must be in the same context if we are going to see powerful results.

As a leader, there is a question that needs to be answered. What is the real payoff for our leadership? If we are leading with the right motives, what represents the payoff?

I know there are several fitting answers, but here is my thought.

The real payoff comes when the lives of those who are following our leadership change. This is what our leadership is all about. We are trying to change lives, eternally.

The results seen in the lives of others is the payoff. The change made in their lives each day is the payoff.

When we examine the work of Christ, ultimately at the cross, the payoff is seen in the lives He has and continues to change.

Looking into the writings of Paul, we also find the payoff of becoming all things to all men. He did all things for the sake of the gospel so he might “win the more.”

Spiritual leadership is not about seeking fame, popularity, and wealth, because it is not about you or me.. The payoff is summed up in the people who will see heaven because of our leadership.

“Leaders are more powerful role models when they learn than when they teach.” Rosabeth Moss Kantor

Recently, a coworker of mine referenced the best day of his teaching career. What made this day more special than any other day of teaching was what he was learning from the students.

You would have to know Michael Hite to appreciate the insatiable drive in his life to learn. Do not misunderstand me, he loves teaching, but he loves teaching what he is learning. It is infectious. If you do not believe me, just spend a little time with him.

When I read the quote above it reminded me of him and the leader he is to these students, me and everyone else around him.

I can say this because his students were also saying the same thing he was saying about his class. They see him learning and it excites them to learn from him. What a powerful combination!

If we want to grow in our leadership example, and be the kind of role model others can emulate, then exemplify this thought.

The very thought strikes at the heart of the problem in our culture. It is not a new problem.

This problem has been around for millennia of time.

Biblical leadership can never be about you or me. If is not about us, then what is our leadership about?

It’s about God. Every thought, word and action needs to be determined by and focused on our God. The development of our character and service is oriented toward more godlike qualities. We are to glorify Him, lift Him up, and point others to Him.

It’s about others. Maybe it is just me, but the word “leading” and the idea of leadership exude others. We are in the business of leading people. I realize some leaders are leading with ulterior motives and people suffer as a result. Our leadership as Christians is necessitated by helping others come to God.

If we really want to make a difference and leave a dynamic legacy, then we need to understand the nature and purpose of our leadership. It is about God first and, second, it is about others.

Levi, better known as Matthew, is an unlikely candidate for leadership. He was a tax collector and hated by the Jews. They were betrayers not leaders. They were not seen as an example to follow.

What makes Matthew a great Bible leader? He was an apostle called by Jesus, but what made him different?

Commitment: The text is explicit how Matthew, when he was called by Jesus, immediately left everything behind to follow. He walked away from security, probably a wealthy job. He left any opportunity of providing for the future of family. If that does not take commitment, what does?

Compassionate: Matthew hosted a great feast for Jesus. He did not invite the “well-to-do.” He invited what the Pharisees called “tax collectors and sinners.” Matthew wanted all his friends to hear about Jesus.

There is not a great deal known about Matthew, but these two areas alone cause him to stand out as a great Bible leader. I pray we can all realize the need to be committed and compassionate in leading others. Think Souls!

By the time you read this post I will be in class. Interestingly, I will be taking a class on “Character, Community, and Leadership.”

I have to say I love being a student. There is something special about the opportunity to learn from others, either from a book, in a classroom, experience, or one on one.

I also have to say some lessons are easier to learn than others. There are some lessons I do not like learning, even though I know they must be learned.

Being a student is one of the vital needs of leadership.

As I have mentioned before, we must be cautious to avoid what others have referred to as the “destination disease.”

We never want to reach a point where we think we have made it, there is no need to learn any more. When this happens there should be a huge red flag that goes up that says, “Warning.”

Throughout life there will be numerous lessons to learn. We need to take advantage of every opportunity to be a student. Doing so will improve our leadership.

Do you ever have times when you are, well, frankly…tired? Of course, we all do.

It may be a lack of sleep, stress at work, or family responsibilities. The list is long as to the causes of our fatigue. How can we deal with it and still be the leaders God desires of us?

Learn the signs. What are the signs of being tired? Frustration? Short tempered? Sleepy? Whatever the signs, recognize them.

Step back and think. If we know the signs, then when they occur, step back and think before speaking or acting.

Wait to make decisions. Neal Pollard explains how he learned to never make a decision on a blue day. When tired, our ability to make good decisions is hindered. Learn to wait.

DO NOT QUIT! The temptation is to throw up our hands and walk out. Regardless of where our leadership responsibility lies, we must not give up.

God needs us to be leaders. We will have times when we are tired. Know the signs, step back and think, wait before making decisions, and please do not quit!

Answering questions can be challenging. Some questions can make us very uncomfortable, at least they do me.

How will we provide an answer in our leadership? To whom will we answer for our leadership?

The truth remains! We are going to lead, the question is where will we lead?

Are we leading others to a better life in this present world, or in relationship to God?

Do our words and actions provide a leadership of hope eternally?

Will keeping ourselves reclusive from the world lead souls to Christ?

Does a condescending message lead to the building up of the body?

Is it possible for our arrogance to lead others to humble obedience?

Will others view our leadership as serving others or serving ourselves?

Why are we leading?

Leadership is not intended to be disheartening or discouraging. We are challenged to lead in the greatest arena, with the greatest motive, for the greatest cause.

Where will we lead?

Through John’s writings we learn about the type of leadership he provided for the church. Several areas point to qualities of a great Bible leader and provide an example for us today.

Fellowship: John understood the value of fellowship among Christians and with the Lord. As he wrote to the church he emphasized the need for them to join this fellowship. He also urged them to walk in the light so they might have fellowship with God.

Vision: John knew the future of the church depended on men who were willing to work in the fields of harvest. He also knew it would take the church’s willingness to support such men.

Servant: John’s writings about Jesus as a servant were followed by his own example to the church. Reading through his letters and the Revelation show the qualities of servant leadership.

We need to encourage fellowship among God’s people and with the Lord. We should have and cast vision for the future. Even though it goes without saying (and we have said it before) leaders are servants. These qualities make a great Bible leader.

This word brings several thoughts to mind, the most common of which involves putting one foot in front of the other.

I have been in airports around the world watching people walk. Some walk slower, some faster, than others and most are dragging a piece of luggage.

Where are they walking? What do they think about as they walk through the terminal?

The Bible also uses this word, but with a different meaning. Paul uses it referring to a way of life, or conduct of life.

Paul instructs Christians to conduct their lives with certain qualities or attributes. He is not talking about a one time action, but rather a lifestyle, a way of living.

This word characterizes the whole of our leadership. Leadership is not about a one time event or activity. It must be a way of life demonstrated in the conduct of our life, lived before others in a way that influences the direction of others, eternally.

So, when someone tells us to go for a walk, we need to consider changing our conduct of life to lead as God wants us to lead.