HOW GOD DEVELOPS LEADERS
The apostle Paul tells young Timothy to not let others look down on his youthfulness (1 Timothy 4:12). Many young leaders have impacted the world throughout history. A leader is not a leader because he has the title – it is somebody who has influence, has followers. A real leader does not even need a title to make an impact for God’s kingdom. The future of the church does not depend on keeping young people entertained, but to call them to costly obedience to Christ (John Piper). Let’s see HOW GOD DEVELOPS LEADERS:
OBEDIENCE
One of CCF’s core values is “Obedience (to God and authorities).” We first encounter Joshua in Exodus 17:9-11. Later, Moses appointed him to lead Israel to fight in a battle. Meanwhile, Moses went up a hill to pray. Even before this battle, Joshua was always with Moses who was training him (Exodus 33:11). Joshua learned to submit to authority from his youth. A leader must first learn to obey before he can lead others effectively. Obedience implies a willingness to learn. Warren Wiersbe said that “Before God uses a person greatly, He trains them deeply in the school of obedience.” Before any man can lead, he must first learn to be an excellent follower (US Navy SEAL). There are different authorities mentioned in the Bible:
God – Scriptures (Acts 4:19-20)
Parental (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Husband (Ephesians 5:22-24)
Government (Romans 13:1-2)
Employer (1 Peter 2:18)
Pastor-church (Hebrews 13:17)
90% of God’s will is revealed through His designated authorities. It’s not hard to know God’s will if we only learn to submit to authorities. Children are reminded by Scripture to obey and honor their parents in the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:1-3). When children learn this, they will submit to other authorities as they progress in life.
Joshua obeyed Moses and learned the importance of seizing the opportunity to exercise leadership (Exodus 17:9-11). As Moses kept praying with hands up, Israel’s army prevailed, overwhelming the enemy (vv. 12-13). Spiritual warfare was as real as the battle Joshua was fighting with swords. Moses’ raised hands was a picture for Joshua to see the power of prayer and teamwork, as Aaron and Hur supported Moses. Obedience taught Joshua so much, preparing him for his great future.
FAITH
Believers walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). When God asks us to do something, by faith we follow and obey. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and we must believe that God is who He says He is, and a rewarder of those who seek (Hebrews 11:6). We must seek first His kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Faith always has to have an object.
Like Joshua, good leaders have great faith in a great God. Moses sent twelve spies into the Promise Land before they entered (Numbers 13-14). They came back reporting about a good land flowing with fruit, milk, and honey. But ten out of twelve described strong inhabitants, with fortified cities, and that giants were in the land. They concluded that they will not be able to go up against them. These ten gave bad reports, focused on the big problems and obstacles! What we conclude about what we see depend on our perspective: by our own human ideas, or in accordance with what God sees. The ten spies compared themselves with the giants, whilst the two (Joshua and Caleb) compared the giants with God” (FB Meyer). The object of faith should always be God’s character and promises! Joshua and Caleb spoke in a contrarian perspective (Numbers 14:6-10) exhibiting great faith in the Lord. The people responded by wanting to stone Joshua and Caleb! Lack of faith and unbelief is a very serious sin, and the people experienced heavy consequences — they will die in the wilderness, not making it to the Promise Land (Numbers 14:27,29-30). Are we always complaining and grumbling, or thankful to God at all times and in all circumstances?
COURAGE
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the inner strength to do what is right. It is a decision to act in faith despite fear, trusting in God’s faithfulness and power and leaving the consequences to Him. Many of us fear different things – and fear can be paralyzing. The apostles prayed for boldness and courage, and the power of the Holy Spirit filled them to speak God’s Word with boldness (Acts 4:29). Joshua needed courage to lead after Moses died. God gave Joshua the mission and His promises, especially His presence and victory (Joshua 1). God encouraged him to be STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. If we follow His ways, He will give us success. The first obstacle to the Promised Land was Jericho – they must conquer the city, and God gave Joshua a plan to circle the city once every day for 6 days (Joshua 6:2-5). On the 7th day, after going around 7 times, they gave a shout. The wall fell, and they infiltrated the city. Courage is the willingness to follow God – and the wall exactly fell on the 7th day after going around it on the 7th round as God declared! By faith, the walls of Jericho fell (Hebrews 11:30).
CONSECRATION
Joshua was defeated in the next battle (Joshua 7). To consecrate is to set apart, dedicate, devote, and surrender one’s life fully to God. Joshua didn’t give up; God commanded them to CONSECRATE themselves – they can’t stand against their enemies until they surrender the things that were not pleasing to God. Consecration is surrendering everything to God, living in obedience, faith, and courage (Joshua 3:5). Throughout Joshua’s life and leadership, they saw God’s faithfulness at work (Joshua 23:14-15). His full conviction is to choose to serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). We always serve something, or someone. Will we run after our temporal idols, or run and follow God, committing to live for His glory and lead with His purpose in mind?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why do you think it is important for a leader to learn obedience first before leading effectively?
How can you grow your faith in the midst of the things that are happening around the world today?
Why is consecration important as we accomplish God’s mission for us?
PRAY CARE SHARE IN ACTION
Pray for the Lord to bless our families, church, government institutions, workplaces and campuses with godly and qualified leaders. Help raise up the next generation of young leaders by discipling youth in your families, in church, etc. Share about Jesus to a young person in your life this month!