Leadership
There is a well known term called being "your brother's keeper" which is the topic of this devotional.
The term came from the story of Cain and Abel, the two sons of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:8-10). Cain was jealous of Abel and murdered him. God then came to Cain and asked him where Abel was. Cain denied knowing where Abel was and instead responded "Am I my brother's keeper?" He clearly said this as a way to deflect responsibility and accountability for the terrible deed he'd just done.
The truth is that Cain SHOULD have been his brother's keeper. He was the older brother after all. Although, even if he wasn't, it still is the right thing for brothers to look out for each other. Christians understand that we ARE supposed to be "our brother's keeper".
It's our responsibility to watch out for and care for our Christian brothers and sisters. And yet that is something that is lacking both in the churches and often even in our own community.
Being our brothers keeper is much more than just seeing that they have food, clothing and shelter. It's also about meeting their spiritual needs and leading them in spiritual ways.
Jesus emphasized to Peter the need to meet the spiritual needs of followers, by telling him three times that he needed to "feed the sheep". "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep." (John 21:17).
But what does feeding sheep mean? I believe it's teaching people spiritual truths. That may be sharing the Word of God with people (i.e. Jesus and his teachings) something which Jesus described as spiritual food when he said, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God" (Luke 4:4). He also called himself the "Bread of life". He said "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." John 6:35
Feeding spiritual truths to people can also be speaking the truth in love to them, as described in Ephesians 4:14-16. "We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."
There are many verses in the New Testament that give advice to leaders, just like Jesus advised Peter. We are not all Peters, but we should all be leaders in some way, with or without the title.
Jesus said the best way to lead is to serve. "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26–28).
No matter what your position is you can be a Christian servant. If you see something in a brother or sister that needs addressing you have a responsibility to address it. ALL Christians are commanded to do it.
Matthew 18:15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother."
James 5:19-20 "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."
It may be difficult to do because we worry about offending them, or maybe we worry about being overly harsh, when we have faults ourselves... but it doesn't take away our responsibility to say something.
Galatians 6:1 says "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted."
Just because we have faults, doesn't mean we should overlook them in others. We should be willing to confess and correct our own faults too. And our imperfections should help us to be patient when we point out problems in others. But if we use our own faults as an excuse to stay quiet about others', then we become a stumbling block to them, and are responsible for their spiritual downfall.
Ezekiel 3:20-21 says "When a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul."
Unfortunately in modern society there is strong resistance to the idea of looking out for each other in this way. We are told that love is always being positive and keeping your distance and that it's mean to say something critical of someone. But that is not what the Bible teaches.
Any parent can tell you that sometimes love has to be "tough love" - doing what is best for someone even if it comes across as harsh.
Hebrews 12:5-7,11 "And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? ... Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
When we correct someone, as a parent or spiritual leader often needs to do, we risk being seen as being grouchy or impatient. And maybe at times we WILL be impatient in how we handle the situation, or say it in a way that is not ideal. But if we wait until we're perfect to deal with a problem in someone else it will never happen.
If we sense a problem, we need to do something about it.
James 4:17, "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin."
Of course we don't need to point out every little error in others. We need to prioritize and focus on the bigger things - the spiritual things that matter the most, recognizing areas where people are improving and encouraging them whenever we can.
I recently heard some advice from a secular source that you should try to give four compliments for every criticism you give, or people will become discouraged. So we do need to be careful not to overdo it. And we should always approach a problem with an openness to the possibility that we have misunderstood the situation and the person has a good explanation for what they did. But if you find that you're not giving ANY correction to others, nor questioning something when you sense something might be wrong, then I question how loving you're really being. How much of a brother's keeper you are. How much of a servant leader you are being.
The Bible teaches that it is GOOD to admonish others, and that we should be capable of doing it.
Romans 15:14 "Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."
The truth is that it's quite humbling to be the one who says the negative things to someone. We all want to be liked. The people you correct may like you LESS as a result of speaking the truth to them, even though you speak it in love. Unfortunately human nature causes people to react against criticism.
This is one example of how being a leader is like being a humble servant. We risk being misunderstood, accused of wrongdoing and misjudged when all we are trying to do is to help someone be a better Christian. Staying quiet is the safer option. People will be less likely to see us in a bad light. But it's also lazy and selfish.
We are required as Christians to not only have "sweet talk".
Colossians 4:5-6, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one."
When we hold back from speaking the truth, we are like tasteless salt or a light that is hidden.
Matthew 5:13-16 "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
A similar metaphor is that of burying our talents. Without our intervention, someone can seriously backslide, and this is something that we should all care about.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will."
Please don't bury your talent just because you cannot do something perfectly. By all means try to be patient and loving in how you address problems you see in others, but don't allow your fear of confrontation (or your fear of being disliked) stop you from doing what is right.
Real love is about caring deeply about how people are going spiritually. Real love often means doing something difficult, something that costs you personally. But the eternal rewards, for both you and the other person, far outweigh any temporary discomfort you might experience by speaking up now.
Further thoughts on our need to think issues through (and counsel) when making decisions, if we are going to be effective in what we do.
What are the reasons that people choose to work independently rather than in co-operation with others of like mind?
(See also The Pizza Parable, Losing Your Identity, and Loose Cannons.)
This article does not say much that is new, but it does say something that needs to be said over and over about the need for patience amongst leaders, and the need for God's grace in all of our lives.
(See also A Letter Upon Release, The Body of Christ, and Pastors and Teachers.)
More reflections on how abuse of power is a concern for everyone, whether they are seen as leaders or not.
November, 2014 by “Bob”
“Bob” shows how taking the lower seat can affect every area of our lives, and become a trademark of a true servant of God.
A humorous illustration of the danger in assuming you have all the answers when you have only begun to learn all that God wants to teach you.
(See also So You Want to Start Your Own Ministry? and Convenient Doctrines.)
Even God himself takes the time to listen when trying to say something that we are not hearing. It would pay for us to do the same when we find ourselves getting upset that people don’t seem to be hearing us.
(The following article was written sometime before April, 2004, but somehow slipped through the cracks when the web site was revamped. For what it's worth, we are re-publishing it now.)
Ever feel frustrated by the lack of common sense in those around you? Worse still, have those around you ever felt frustrated by the lack of common sense in you? Here are five simple ingredients that go into making up that elusive quality that we call common sense.
(See also Wisdom, Change, and Imagination.)
A letter addressed to community members who rely too heavily on correction from others to keep them on the rails. Five-star stuff for Jesus Christians, but not so relevant for others.
(See also Self Starters, Personal Responsibility, Social Conscience, part 2, Job Lists, Budgets and Schedules, and Conviction vs Condemnation.)
If you are ever asked to be a "witness" (or counsellor) in a grievance meeting, this article will give you practical guidelines on how to handle your responsibility for the good of everyone concerned.
(See also Reading Minds, Discernment, Thou Shalt Judge, Disagreements, and Try the Spirits.)
Sometimes even in a Christian community it becomes necessary for the good of members to make them carry their own weight. A good leader must be prepared to "carry" the followers, but we must also be willing to push followers into fending for themselves.
(See also Self Starters, Criticism, and Something to Say.)
To forgive is divine. To forget is stupid. If people have a record of causing division, they should be "marked". Even their "good words and fair speeches" must be examined with some suspicion. They may not necessarily be hopeless cases, but they do need to repent and to get back into a spirit of humble co-operation. Until they do, they must be handled with care.
(See also Reject Us, Reject God, and Divine Authority.)
When tensions arise between you and the people you are trying to work with, one simple question could alter the entire perspective.
A closer look at one aspect of "common sense" reveals that one's ability to apply lessons in a way that relates to the practical needs of their own lives is an important ingredient in spiritual success. However, it is also quite rare.
Practical observations and tips from psychologists that can help all of us to be more effective leaders and parents.
(See also We See What We Want to See, and Cognitive Dissonance.)
Is it enough to have the truth? For a prophet or teacher, maybe. But a true shepherd (or pastor) must also grasp the Spirit behind the truth. And that "Spirit" may even choose to overlook technical offences against the truth. Could this be the missing key to spiritual growth?
(See also Pastors and Teachers, and The Five-Fingered Ministry.)
Seven verses from the Proverbs illustrate various aspects of laziness. Includes tips on how to overcome the problem.
(See also Buying Time, Self Starters, Burying your Talent, and 'Conscience' Issues.)
The problem of replacing a worldly system with a Jesus Christian system is discussed in this article on the need for private prayer to keep us on track.
Who are the real manipulators? Clumsy, untrained leaders of small new religious movements, or the experts, who have been schooled in the art by the world's best manipulators?
A comparison between running, playing chess, and facing the challenges and responsibilities of being a leader. We can hide from these challenges, or we can thrill at the adventure, especially as we see our abilities improving.
(See also Media Interviews, When Relations Break Down, and Having a Great Time: Wish you were Here!, Having a Great Time: Wish you were Here!)
Why do we need leaders? What is the spiritual difference between a leader and a follower? Why do people join organisations to begin with? Is it wrong for leaders to discipline followers? Are authoritarian leaders unloving leaders? And do you need to have a title before you can act as a leader? The answers are here.
(See also Confessions of a Manipulator, Reality in Utopia, and Character.)
Making wise decisions requires the ability to listen to opposing points of view (or imagine them if there is no one handy to express them). But how often do we do it?
This article is most remembered for its illustration about two communities that differ only in the obnoxious odour that one gives off! It suggests that there could be room for greater co-operation between Christians who are divided on issues which are secondary to obeying Jesus.
(See also The Body of Christ, and Divine Love.)
Ross shares his experiences while out of the community, and relates it to adolescence, when young people must learn to stand on their own.
(See also Corporate Adolescence, and Thirty is a Dangerous Age.)
As followers become more and more adult, you are able to move away from thoughts of punishment and into a focus on consequences as a way of relating to them as equals. This approach to leadership puts the onus on followers to make their own choices in their own best interests. Some helpful tips on how to inspire followers.
Robin reminds us that we are only building God's kingdom as we genuinely seek to bring glory to God. When we get it right, enthusiasm will surround everything that we do.
(See also Aim for the Sky, Boredom, Faithfulness, and Positive Thinking.)
Good leaders must consider many different options before settling on the best.
(See also The Role of Experience in the Quest for Truth.)
What is the difference between power, and power abuse? What is a cult? And how can we avoid power abuse?
(See also Abuse of Power, and Leaders who Serve.)
(See also Job Lists, Budgets and Schedules, and Empowerment.)
(See also Divine Authority, Losing Your Identity, and Hurtless Criticism.)
(See also Anarchy and Pacifism, Divine Authority, Bitterness, and Loose Cannons.)
(See also Divine Authority, Bearing Burdens.)
(See also Les Byron, Leadership, and Two Witnesses, part 2.)
(See also Becoming Adults, Leaders who Serve, Criticism, and Chess and Leadership.)
(See also Patience, and Divine Love.)
(See also Reading Minds, Discernment, and Divine Authority.)
(See also Behavioural Psychology, and Empowerment.)
(See also Cockroaches for Christ.)
(See also Empowerment, Becoming Adults, and Moral Adults.)
(See also Fasting Without Ceasing.)
(See also Disagreements, Bitterness, and Criticism.)
(See also Enemy Loving.)
(See also Divine Love, and Divisions - Part of God's Plan?)
(See also The Martha Syndrome, and Balance.)
(See also Empowerment Sessions, and Imagination.)
(See also Common Sense.)