LEADERSHIP REALLY MATTERS
ANNE BOSARGE
REV. JAY HANSON
Ephesians 5: 8-9 (CEV), “You used to be like people living in the dark, but now you are people of the light because you belong to the Lord. So act like people of the light and make your light shine. Be good and honest and truthful.”
Have you ever been around someone who shined God’s character so brightly you felt as if you’ve seen a glimpse of the Father Himself? Have you ever been in a church where God’s presence was so thick you could almost tangibly feel it?
God living in each of us should shine brightly to a hurting world cloaked in spiritual darkness. God in your church should illuminate His love, compassion, and acceptance to those in your community. Just as a moth is instinctively attracted to a porch light on a warm, dark night, others who don’t know Jesus will be attracted to you if you’re brightly shining God’s light. You won’t have to go look for people to lead; they’ll be all around, drawn to His light in you!
So what does it look like to be a leader who shines God’s true light?
- You realize the source of your light is God. Everything that happens, everything you are, everything you accomplish all comes from Him. It’s a blessing and an honor to be used by Him because He doesn’t even need you to accomplish His work. It’s a gift to join Him on the journey.
- You’re not jealous of the way God’s light shines in others. Just as God has equipped each of us with unique gifts and abilities, His light shining in you looks different than the way it shines in others. Appreciate, celebrate, and embrace the way God’s light shines in them.
- You seek wisdom and guidance from God in every situation. Ask God to guide your correspondence and communication. Ask the Holy Spirit to take control when someone asks you for advice so the words you say aren’t simply your opinion or feeling, but have been inspired by God’s truth.
- You are confident in your calling. When God calls you to service and ministry, you don’t require the approval of others to reaffirm your purpose or impact. Remember your calling and ask God to provide you with moments that will encourage and reaffirm your calling.
- You turn compliments into praise. Leaders who shine God’s light will naturally receive compliments about the way God is working in their lives. Instead of turning those compliments into fuel for pride, use it as an opportunity to verbally or silently give that praise to God – thanking Him for the opportunity to be used by Him.
Jesus living in you should be a floodlight illuminating the way for those walking in darkness so they can be enveloped by the light of God’s amazing love.
Jay Hanson, Lead Pastor, and Anne Bosarge, Multi-Campus Director, serve at The Chapel Ministries in Brunswick. They love sharing about the ways God is moving in their church. Contact them at jay@thechapelbrunswick.com and anne@thechapelbrunswick.com for more information.
