The ultimate deliverance was accomplished by Jesus at the cross. The result brought deliverance from our bondage to the consequences of sin.
This deliverance is identified as salvation, forgiveness, grace, and the indescribable gift.
It is the result of God’s immeasurable patience and love. Consider the lengths taken by God to provide for our greatest need and think for just a moment.
Our spiritual leadership is defined by it. The souls all around us depend on it.
Nelson Mandela often spoke about physical freedom from oppression and poverty. He once said, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
Note the spiritual application. Our freedom from the consequences of sin is not simply about casting off our own chains. We need to live in a way that will demonstrate respect for others and help them enjoy the same level of freedom.
Here is where our leadership will determined.
The death of Jesus is a foundation for all who will come to Him. Lead to that freedom.
We could spend weeks talking about David’s leadership, but I simply want to examine one area: his respect for God’s will.
Even though David could have taken Saul’s life, he respected God’s appointment of Saul as Israel’s king.
Even though David was paying for the consequences of his sin, he understood and respected God’s answer in loss of his son.
Even though David was prepared to build a temple that honored God, he respected God’s decision that Solomon would build it.
One of the reasons his leadership was great is because he respected God’s will.
Paul’s words to the church at Corinth identify a spiritual leader, “Who is led into sin without my intense concern.”
Spiritual leaders are focused on others, it is an outward position of seeking the best for others, above self. No one knew or demonstrated this better than Jesus. From giving up the glory He had with the Father to giving up His life on the cross, Jesus was concerned about sin: yours and mine.
Consider the impact on people around us when we demonstrate concern for the sinful activity that permeates our world.
The task is not easy, but one that makes a lasting and eternal difference.
Robert Tew wrote, “Sometimes walking away has nothing do with weakness, and everything to do with strength. We walk away not because we want others to realize our worth and value, but because we finally realize our own.”
Satan wants us to believe our worth is summed up in achieved success, what others say about us, and what we have materially. No greater lie exists.
When we understand we are God’s children, made in His image, our worth changes incredibly.
Resist the temptation to find worth in the temporal things of this life and realize the greatness of God. Walking away from sin is eternally worth it all.
While we often hear that love makes the world go round, I appreciate a saying by Franklin P. Jones, “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”
Love is the perfect bond of unity.
Love is the greatest among faith, hope and love.
Loving your neighbor as yourself fulfills the royal law.
Perfect love casts out fear.
Love covers a multitude of sins.
Above all, love is demonstrated toward God, then family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and even our enemies.
When love is the foundation, formation, and finishing of our words and actions, godly leadership is exemplified.
Goodness is a fruit to be cultivated in the midst of a self-help culture. Three thoughts introduce the idea of goodness.
One, the consistent testimony in scripture that God alone is unequivocally good.
Two, if sin makes us incapable of goodness apart from God, as those created in His image, we possess the potential for goodness.
Three, knowing what counts for good can only be determined under the guidance of God’s Spirit.
We cultivate goodness by naming our sin, attending to God’s word, and imitation.
When leaders are characterized by goodness, self-awareness, upward attention, and outward activity cultivate this fruit.
Tomorrow, our country celebrates its independence.
There is a beautiful comparison between our physical freedom and the spiritual freedom enjoyed in Christ.
The willing, loving, and gracious sacrifice of Jesus demonstrates the value of our freedom.
The greatest joy of celebrating our independence is to willingly, lovingly, and graciously help others celebrate the same by introducing them to the way, the truth, and the life.
The abundant life promised by Jesus is one of freedom from the consequences of sin.
Our leadership should always help others understand the price paid for this celebration, physically and spiritually.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Nelson Mandela
Mandela spoke about the physical freedom from oppression and poverty, but consider a spiritual application.
Our freedom from the consequences of sin is not about casting off our own chains. We need to live in a way that demonstrates respect for others and assists them to enjoy the same level of freedom.
This is leadership.
The death of Jesus is foundational for our life and for all who come to Him. Let us lead others to the true freedom.