Leaders Go Beyond Management

This evening, I listened to, "Lord, I Need You," by Matt Maher.

"Where You are, Lord, I am free. Holiness is Christ in me. Lord, I need You. Oh, I need You. Ev'ry hour I need You. My one defense, my righteousness, oh God, how I need You!" We must never become so comfortable or prideful that we forget our need for God. He is a necessity at all times and in everything. We should learn to include Him in everything, not just in some areas while leaving Him out of others. He is in control and knows what is best for us! We are His children, and He is our loving Father! He promises us that, "He will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6b, NIV)

The central verse tonight is Proverbs 21:1, which says: "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases." (NIV) The king can be symbolic for any leader. He is in control! We must never try to take that control. We need to learn to seek after Him and follow His direction. After all, He is God and He says, "'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" (Isaiah 55:9, NIV)

Maxwell distinguishes leaders from managers. "While managers are often able to maintain a team at its current level, leaders are able to lift it to a higher level than it has ever reached before." That is not to say that leaders cannot also be managers, or vice versa. However, it does take more to be a leader than it does to be a manager.

Leaders are lifters. Many times, leaders arise in times of need. At such times as those, the team should not stay in its current state. The people need someone to guide them through the storm and to calm waters.

Leaders are also needed in good times. We should never underestimate God's ability to use us. Nor should we question when He can do so. God can use us anytime, if we let Him take the wheel and trust in His control.

Furthermore, even when your team is succeeding, continue to strive for greater heights. Push past the limits the world may put in your path. We serve a mighty God! "I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13, NIV)

No matter what situation you may be facing, remember that you can get through it with the Lord's help. Matthew 19:26 says, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV)

Maxwell poses this question: "How can you give your team a lift?" In what area of your team's performance do you see a need? When you find it, ask God for guidance on how to fulfill the need. Trust in Him and let Him guide you in the right path. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

God bless you!