Over the past week, God has transformed my view of what true leadership means. Secular culture will tell you that having a lot of money, a charismatic personality, a boyfriend/girlfriend or being popular gives you power and influence. But the culture of the Cross challenges this ideal. The Bible speaks of three points in particular that describe leadership in the eyes of the Lord.
God can use anyone.
If you think back to the story of Jesus' miracle with the five loaves and two fish, what is notable is the fact that Jesus did not conjure up food from nowhere, though He certainly could have. He used the lunch of a young boy whose name is not even mentioned in the passage. Yet Jesus transformed what little the boy had into something great. When it comes to leadership, we as humans enter into the world with nothing more than our hearts. But God can use our five loaves and two fish faith for His glory. Ordinary people overlooked by culture can become pivotal to the work of the Kingdom because God works miracles through the "nobodies" of this world.
A willing heart surpasses a loud spirit.
Speaking of God using anyone, those often in leadership are the ones unseen by the world. Extroverted people grab attention spans, but being loud means nothing in comparison to someone who has opened themselves to being used by the Father. Was Moses someone people paid attention to? No, Moses had a stutter. Though he tried to convince God he is not the right guy for the job, he eventually relents to the Lord's will for him. Moses was willing, and God used that willingness to free a nation from slavery. Don't allow yourself to focus only on the people to whom everyone is listening. Chances are, the quiet person in the corner is the one God will raise up to do incredible things.
Servanthood reigns supreme.
When we are willing to be a vessel for the Lord, He often transforms our selfish mindsets into serving ones. Jesus says in Matthew 20:16 that the "last shall be first and the first shall be last" in the Kingdom of God. This verse contradicts the self-centered focus of our entitled world. Yet when we stoop to love other people and put them in a higher regard than ourselves, God raises us to places of influence as we sacrifice our glory for His glory. Jesus, Himself, came not to be served but to serve, and He honors us when we follow in His footsteps.
If you ever come to a place where you find yourself questioning how God could use a depressed girl, a fearful man, an introvert, a social outcast or...(fill in the blank), remember the leaders God chose in the Bible. Fishermen, an orphan, doubters, rebels, a shepherd, prostitutes and children are all highlighted as prominent heroes of the faith. Offer up your lowly status, willing heart and the attitude of a servant and watch God take hold of you as a leader and mold your life into a beautiful testimony. You'll be amazed at what He can do with your five loaves and two fish.
