Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 27, 2014
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11
Some questions that humble me as a leader are; “Am I a leader worth following?” “Do I model the values of our work and home culture?” “Do I do what I ask the team to do?” “Am I willing to give up my own interests for what’s best for everyone else?” And the question that looms largest, “Will I lay down my life for my family and friends?” For me to be a leader worth following, I will answer affirmative to these revealing questions. Mostly though, I must follow the good shepherd,Jesus.
Jesus is the ultimate leader worth following. He is not “a,” but “the” Good Shepherd. He is good because He is God, and He grows good leaders. The good shepherd Jesus defends the sheep from aggressive enemies. Just as the shepherd David battled the lion and bear on behalf of his flock, so Jesus engages the enemy on our behalf. He sees danger coming before we do, so what may seem an unnecessary diversion may be His protection from a bad decision or bad people.
“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 27:12).
A leader worth following protects his or her people. He lays down his life, his interests, and his ego for the greater good. The other centered leader also invests in her team. She spends time in mentorship. Over lunch she systematically helps the less experienced process their pressure points. The leader is vulnerable about her own issues and how she learned from others. A safe culture invites honesty, and the opportunity for professional growth.
Furthermore, what are some ways you can invest in the character of those who look to you as their leader? You have to be good in order to teach others how to be good. Your generosity enhances a culture of generosity. Your care creates a caring culture. Expose your team to books, trainings and conferences that challenge and grow their character and skills. Begin a weekly or monthly educational process that infuses the values of the culture throughout the enterprise. A leader worth following is out front as an example, among the team to learn, and behind in prayer.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Prayer: Heavenly Father grow me into a leader worth following. Lead me to lead like Jesus.
Related Readings: Proverbs 14:16; 1 Corinthians 4:16-17; Philippians 3:17, 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:2
Post/Tweet today: A leader worth following is out front as an example, among the team to learn, and behind in prayer. #wisdomhunters
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Boyd
Is there any way I can do a topical or word search on all of your old Devos?
Pete Ochs
Dear Pete~
Let me try to help you with this. There are a few different ways to do a word search on the older devos. If you go to the http://www.wisdomhunters.com site and click onto the magnifying glass in the top right hand corner that should open up the search box. Then, type in the devotional subject. Also, you can click on to devotional categories link that is at the top of the Wisdom Hunter’s website. That will give you several topic choices to click on. Lastly, at the very bottom of the website, in the right hand corner you will notice a “tags” link. When you click on that, several subjects appear that may be one you are looking for.
If this has not been of any assistance, please feel free to let me know if there is a specific devotional you are looking for and I will be happy to help you with that.
In the meantime, thank you for contacting us. We are so thankful for you, Pete.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Be joyful always; praying continually; giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18