Our leadership lifeGROUP at Living Stones recently began a new series based on a book by Jeff Iog titled The Character of Leadership: Nine Qualities that Define Great Leaders. I’ll be sharing some of my thoughts in the coming weeks based on our series.
“In my twenties, I was determined to change the world. In my thirties, I tried to transform the church. In my early forties, I discovered I was the problem.” — Jeff Iorg
I can completely relate to this quote and perhaps you can as well. The more you learn about being a good leader, the more you realize you’re not “it.” One of the most important things to realize in our journey as leaders is to understand that leadership is about growth. Great leaders are never satisfied with things as they are. They see possibilties. They have the ability to look beyond the present situation and perceive how things actually could be. In our naiveté, we think that the process is quick and painless. However, time portrays to us another picture.
In the process of becoming great leaders, God puts us in what Iog calls the “leadership laboratory.” If you know anything about scientific laboratories, you know they are a place for study and learning. What is hypothesized to be truth is tested. After a lot of work, including trial and error, we come to some sort of conclusion based upon the process. The same is true in our growth — not only our growth as leaders but our growth as Christians. Often times, the process involves a lot of trial and error. Included in that trial and error can be found pain. Through pain, God highlights flaws in our character in order to motivate us for change.
You see, God isn’t really interested in us “doing leadership” better. Rather, He’s much more interested in us “being” better people. As we are transformed through this leadership laboratory, we become more like Christ. As we become more like Christ, we become the great leaders that God has designed us to become.
As I am encouraging myself, I encourage you to allow the pain and process of the leadership laboratory to change you into the likeness and image of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). I would love to hear your thoughts. Please share with me in the comments section below.
Hi Jon,
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this topic. No truer words have ever been spoken when you say “God highlights flaws in our character in order to motivate us for change”. May be just my imagination but it seems with almost greater intensity than how He does that in our daily walk with Him. If we truly listen to what He’s saying and things He’s pointing out during our leadership position and walk with Him….it will certainly keep us humble as we strive to do His will in the leadership position.
Thanks for your input/ideas/interpretation on this topic.
Fran
Hi Pastor Jon,
Interesting choice of scripture: II Cor. 3:17. the unveiled faces part started me musing….a close friend had the privilege of leading a family member to the Lord very near his death. In the months following this new believer’s homegoing, this friend shared how much easier it was to see the substance of this person from an eternal perspective than when he was “in the flesh”. Disagreements and character flaws got in the way of seeing the hidden treasure, all too many times. When the veil of the flesh was torn away in death, it was easier to celebrate many of the things God loved about this person. As a life lesson, I am challenged every day by this lost opportunity. May God help every one of us to walk in the Spirit(in agreement with this scripture), with His eyes for ourselves and one another, and to see beyond the veil of the flesh and call forth HIS treasures for the glory of God!
frannie