LEADERSHIP

So much is said about it, but just what is Godly leadership? I’ve been spending time this summer working through the book of Nehemiah, and it’s a book full of God’s time-tested truths on what it takes to be a godly leader.

So much is said about it, but just what is Godly leadership? I’ve been spending time this summer working through the book of Nehemiah, and it’s a book full of God’s time-tested truths on what it takes to be a godly leader.

In Nehemiah 11:1-2, God shows us 3 simple yet profound truths about godly leadership:
First, godly leaders sacrifice. This is a simple, but often forgotten truth in our world today, where it seems like leaders are those who often reap the most benefit (financial & otherwise) from those they lead. The leaders of the people were living in Jerusalem, the holy city. Nehemiah 11:1 (NLT)
After rebuilding the wall, the city within the wall needed to be populated…a dangerous assignment. So who stepped up first? The leaders. These brave men & women willingly sacrificed and chose to live in a place of danger & difficulty. Godly leadership isn’t about comfort or benefit or advancing yourself. It’s about sacrifice.
Second, Nehemiah shows us that godly leaders inspires others to follow. A tenth of the people from the other towns of Judah and Benjamin were chosen by sacred lots to live there, too, while the rest stayed where they were. Nehemiah 11:1 (NLT)
Have you heard the saying, “If you think you’re leading, but no one’s following, then you’re not leading; you’re taking a walk.” How many of us men think we’re leading, but no one’s following! Yes, we may be able to keep people in line through fear or intimidation or coercion, but that’s not godly leadership. Godly leadership inspires those around us to follow out of their own desire, not because they have too. Because godly leadership inspires people…and literally moves them to follow.
Third, godly leaders commend those who obey. And the people commended everyone who volunteered to resettle in Jerusalem. Nehemiah 11:2 (NLT) God knew the city needed to be populated, so people were chosen to move into Jerusalem, and when these people obeyed, they were commended (honored, praised) for their obedience. Godly leaders take the time to commend the obedience of those they’re leading. Men, praise your kids for doing their best to honor God. Commend your wife for her obedience to God. Encourage your friends when they take a small step to honor God. Godly leaders are encouragers, so be busy spotting & encouraging the praise-worthy actions of those around you, because one of the most powerful things leaders can do is to encourage others.