"Now what?" to the Sovereignty of God in Leadership

When we learn more about God, we learn more about ourselves. This certainly is true for the area of leadership. I've been reflecting on the biblical presupposition that God is sovereign over creation and a couple of implications for leadership. God is sovereign and he has stamped upon us this attribute. Because God is sovereign and we reflect his sovereignty, we should not only lead, but lead like him. In this post I want to brainstorm how we can live differently in light of this great idea.

Before looking at some ways we might live differently, remember that we cannot lead like God apart from the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the turning point for all leaders. How so? Like other attributes of God we reflect, we use these gifts for sinful ends. We need only to read the newspaper to see how so many people use this God-given capacity for themselves. But when God redeemed me by the blood of Jesus, I could then use the gift of leadership the way God intends - for his glory and for the good of others. May I not be guilty of thinking about and practicing leadership apart from the gospel.

1. View yourself as a leader. We must see ourselves the way God sees us. Too often I can feel like a failure and completely reject how God views me. Or I can undervalue the potential in me and others to lead. Yet you and I can make a difference not because we are great in ourselves, but because we are the image of God. Far from building up unbiblical self-esteem, we can possess a biblical self-image when we realize that God has given us power to make a difference. I tell my students in my leadership class that leadership always comes with authority but authority does not always come with leadership. In other words, you don't have to be in charge to lead and make a difference. So consider and then write down where in your life you have influence. Think of yourself as a leader.

2. Delegate. I can easily see people more like a problem than a problem-solver. This goes especially for my students. Yet they are just as much like God as I am. Certainly they have the potential to make a difference. Let's give others the chance to act like God by creating change that reflects his character and makes the lives of others better.