Leading With Love and Courage Into the New Year

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 29, 2017

Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him.  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

This fall a good friend of mine ran for mayor of our city. His opponent enjoyed 15 years of name recognition in politics, while Lee barely experienced 15 weeks of campaigning. What inspired me most about my friend of 23 years was his courageous leadership to step out and lovingly serve our citizens, knowing he would be attacked by the establishment, while being affirmed by those of us longing for fresh leadership. Undaunted, he took the high road of solution based conversations related to our challenging issues. Courageous leadership confronts conflict in love.

Paul defines for us a compelling picture of a loving and courageous heart. Leaders who love well have extra doses of patience with imperfect people and kindness toward those who are rude. Supervisors who are secure in who they are celebrate another’s accomplishments, while avoiding subtle criticism to discredit their peers’ successes. A courageous leader does not take time to brag, since they are moving toward their next big challenge. Love trusts that its leadership speaks for itself. Not demanding, but deferring to others in humility. Angry over injustice, but happy when truth wins out. Courageous and loving leaders will enjoy followers who enthusiastically engage.

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Your courageous and loving leadership inspires others to tackle problems with an attractive attitude and a “can do” spirit. Love is the fuel for your leadership and courage is the igniter that creates energy and enthusiasm. Courage cuts through ambiguity and brings clarity by addressing conflicts and potential problems. But do not allow issues with a low probability of occurrence to paralyze your leadership. The Holy Spirit will lead you to decisions unlike the world’s wisdom.

Does fear have your heart “wrapped around the axle” of anxiety? If so, trust Christ to cut you loose with His love and courage, where both readily reside in your heart. Yoke your life with Jesus and He will bear the burden of leadership with you in meekness and humility. Learn of Him, so you are able to lead others to learn of Him. You can only expect others to go where you have been or where you are going. Your courage and love are the currency of Spirit-led leadership, so invest them prayerfully and wisely—all for God’s Kingdom—not your own!

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

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