Benefits for leaders who are zealous:
Half-heartedness is no fun. Wholeheartedness is satisfying!

Benefits for the community with zealous leaders:
Zealous leaders inspire, motivate and equip their communities.
 
Biblical inspiration and support:
When Paul wrote to the churches in Rome about spiritual gifts, he told those gifted with leadership to lead with zeal:
“6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6–8, ESV, emphasis mine)
 
The Greek Lexicon offers the following definition for the word Paul used that is translated “zeal” in Romans 12:8 (ESV) above: “earnest commitment in discharge of an obligation or experience of a relationship, eagerness, earnestness, diligence, willingness, zeal” [1]
 
It seems Paul is directing Christians who lead to do so with both eagerness and, at the same time, a serious diligence. There is also the sense of “willingness.” We see a similar idea (different Greek word) in 1 Peter:
“5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:1–4, ESV, emphasis mine))
 
Here again we see that overseers are to shepherd God’s people not because they are forced to do so, but because they are willing to do so. Leaders are to lead not so as to prosper at others’ expense, which would be shameful, but rather leaders should lead with a serious, focused energy so that all may prosper together.
 
A friend of mine recently reminded me that when we think of zeal we need to constantly balance it with love. For example, if accomplishing the work we think God has given us to do becomes more important to us than loving people (our team, our family, those we serve…)—to the point that we might even see individuals as obstacles to that work instead of objects of mercy (Romans 9:23)—well, our zeal is misdirected. We should be zealous in loving one another.  I am become more and more convinced that how we live and relate to one another is more important than the goals we accomplish. As I work zealously I think I need to ask myself, am I still wearing compassion, kindness, humility, patience and love? (Colossians 3:12-17)

[1] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., pp. 939–940). Chicago: University of Chicago Press, σπουδή, ῆς, ἡ.
 
Illustration/Example:
I think Carol Kent is a zealous leader. I began attending the Speak Up with Confidence Conference that she leads over ten years ago, and her energy, enthusiasm and excellence were inspiring. I continued attending annually and was invited to join the conference team as part of the faculty several years ago. Over the years I have witnessed her continuing to bring energy and focus to every meeting and in every communication. I believe she is confident that God has called her to equip speakers, writers and leaders for the work He has called them to and she takes every opportunity to equip people and to help people make important connections with others. I have been touched that in personal conversations, although she has so many things to think about that could distract her, she chooses to focus on me and be interested in my life and journey as a Christian communicator. I see in her the powerful combination of knowing the work God has called her to do and answering with a willing heart that brings an energy and a focus to all she does, and it inspires me.
 
Practical applications 
Are you a willing leader?
Are you a willing leader? Or have you found yourself leading without ever really choosing to lead? Or perhaps even if you chose at one point, you are not sure if you had the chance to choose again today you would still choose to be in this leadership position?
 
If you are not so willing you might reflect, what has stolen your eagerness? What has dimmed your excitement? Today might be a good day to ask the Lord to confirm what His will is for you in regards to your leadership position. This is very important and you might invite a few trusted Christian friends or mentors to pray along with you.
 
It might help to remember that leadership was listed as a spiritual gift (Romans 12:8) and so there is spiritual empowerment to lead as we align our will with God’s will. As we turn to obey God, He works in us “to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV)
 
Pray for zeal.
If you are no longer eager for the work you have to do, consider praying and asking the Lord for help. There is spiritual empowerment for leading with zeal (Romans 12:8), and so zeal is something I feel confident in asking the Lord to provide. I pray for your encouragement as I write this.
 
A final word:
It is a joy to lead with zeal!
From A to Z it is a joy to lead God’s way!

Comment: 
How has a zealous leader inspired you?

Benefits for leaders who are themselves:
1. Being yourself is the only self you can ever be “well.” And you are the only person who can ever be you at all!
2. Being yourself as a leader allows you to take the energy you would invest in trying to be (or appear to be) something other than yourself and instead invest your energy into more worthwhile pursuits, such as focusing on others, on issues, and on solutions.

Benefits for the community when leaders are fully themselves:
1. When a leader is comfortable being themself it helps create a hospitable environment for others to be themselves.
2. When a leader is fully themself the team gets the full benefit of all God has done in that leader’s life as well as the benefit of the leader’s God-given personality, strengths and gifts.
 
Biblical inspiration and support:
God is a God of truth, not of deceit. He “never lies” (Titus 1:2, ESV). In fact “it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18, ESV). He is all light and no darkness:
 
“5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:5–6, ESV)
 
So, to walk with God we need to walk in the light – authentic and without deceit. We read in 1 Peter:
“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” (1 Peter 2:1, ESV)
 
Put away hypocrisy – put away masks—put away deceit. God does not work through deceit; He works through truth and authenticity. God does not call you to “fake it.” He is calling you to be authentically you.
 
And he knows you, He formed you–designed you on purpose—before you were even born (Psalm 139:13-16). And every day of your life was clear to Him before you were born (Psalm 139:16). Every word you say He knows before you say it (Psalm 139:4). You are fully known, and He has brought you to be in this place of leadership in your home, workplace, volunteer team or church. You. Not some version of you that you’ve worked to project, but you. It is relieving to recognize that we did not make ourselves – God made us. He must have known what He wanted when He formed us!
 
If we are honest with ourselves, we all have weaknesses and failures. This can make being ourselves challenging. But there is good news, God has made us sufficient. Paul teaches the church in Corinth:
 
“5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:5–6, ESV, emphasis mine)
 
We are right when we sense we are not sufficient in our own strength to meet all the demands around us…or even to feel equal to the work God has called us to do. Yet God has made us sufficient to do His will.
 
It is freeing to know that, wherever we find ourselves, we are called to be who we truly are, not some different version of ourselves we think would please people more or be more productive.
 
Sometimes it can be intimidating to be a leader. We may feel like we are not enough, or not what the team wants. We may feel the pressure to have all the answers when we do not. As humans, it is natural to want to impress others in order to gain their trust.
 
What if it is okay to admit we do not have all the answers?
What if it is okay to have weaknesses like everyone else?
 
In the end, you must be you. Not fake. Not a hypocrite. Because God does not lie. And so, He doesn’t require you to be someone you are not. He’s inviting you… to be you.
 
Illustration/Example:
Be WHO you are.
Be ALL you are.
RIGHT WHERE you are.
 
When this statement first came to mind in a time of prayer, I was a stay-at-home mom of toddlers. It also came to mind when I was trying to manage a radio show. It has also guided me when leading in a church and when leading a team of volunteer Bible study leaders through a non-profit ministry. It came to mind again when COVID-19 upset all my plans and projects. It seems to be God's invitation to me in every season.
 
Be who you are.
To be you is to be fully yourself, not some fake version of you, not someone just a bit “better” than you…It’s being who God made you to be. Be who you are, not who you wish you were, not someone you admire. Be you.
​
Be all that you are.
Don't hold back! Don't worry about being too much. Let your gifts flow out into this world! We desperately need your ideas, energy, perspectives and gifts.
 
Right where you are.
Your life is not about to happen... it's happening right now. You do not have to wait for some big opportunity. Be you, all of you, right where you find yourself right now. Get in the fray.
 
Please…
Be WHO you are.
Be ALL you are.
RIGHT WHERE you are.
Today.
 
Practical applications 
Take stock.
Give yourself a minute in prayer to ask the Lord if there is any place in your life or leadership where you feel pressure to appear 10% better than you are. What would it take to have the courage to stop trying to present as “better”? For example, stopping might look like saying, “I do not know” or “I’m sorry” more often. Pray and ask the Lord for grace to be more fully yourself in those situations.
 
Spend some time soaking in God’s word.
Read Psalm 139 slowly a few times. Is there anything that really speaks to your heart today?
 
Where is God inviting you to be more fully yourself?
If you were to survey your life and relationships, where do you sense God is inviting you to be more yourself? Ask Him for grace to begin walking that out in your everyday life.
 
A final word:
Be who you are.
Be all you are.
Right where you are.

Comment: 
Think of a competent leader who is comfortable being themself and comfortable not always meeting others’ expectations. How would you describe the impact of their leadership?

Benefits for leaders who are “xtravagantly gracious”:
1. Forgiveness provides a path back to relationship after one person wrongs another. It means that a break in relationship does not have to mean an end to relationship. Because there is forgiveness…there is hope.
2. Leaders who are extravagantly gracious by generously forgiving others are also extravagantly gracious to themselves, setting themselves free from the binding cords of bitterness.
3. A friend highlighted that it is powerful for leaders to be extravagantly gracious to themselves, as leaders will themselves face challenges and make wrong choices along the way.

Benefits for the community with “xtravagantly gracious” leaders:
1. When leaders are forgiving it helps foster a gracious atmosphere where people can relax and risk.
2. Leaders who are extravagantly gracious are more likely to be able to restore team members to the team after a break in relationship.
 
Biblical inspiration and support:
The command to forgive is embedded in the Lord’s prayer which Jesus taught his disciples to pray:
“9 Pray then like this:
                        “Our Father in heaven,
                        hallowed be your name.
            10          Your kingdom come,
                        your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
            11          Give us this day our daily bread,
            12          and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
            13          And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:9–15, ESV, emphasis mine)
Forgiving others, like receiving God’s forgiveness, is central to the Christian life.
 
In his writings, Paul sometimes used an interesting Greek word for forgiveness[1] which has its root in the word χαρις meaning gracious. It seems that forgiveness is an expression of the grace Christians are to have as they interact with one another. (This is why I named this post “Xtravagantly Gracious.”) This is the word Paul uses in Colossians 3:12-13 (see bold):
 
“12      So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
  13      bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
(Colossians 3:12–13, NASB95, emphasis mine)
 
Taking this passage as a whole, we see that as we are secure in our relationship with God, and secure in our identity as chosen, holy and loved people we are to assume a posture of compassion, kindness, humility and patience. How might this look? Well, it will manifest itself in the way we bear with one another. The term “bear with” makes me think that it may not be easy for us to be kind and patient with each other all the time, that there will be some moments when it will feel difficult or burdensome to treat each other with kindness and compassion.
 
And we are to forgive if we have a complaint against someone. As we finish our days do we ever find we have a complaint about anyone? As we struggle to accomplish our goals and agendas and someone’s actions get in the way, do we ever have a grievance against anyone? Paul helpfully instructs that if this happens—I might say when this happens—God has provided us a way forward. Forgiveness. We are able to forgive each other. In fact, we are commanded to forgive each other. As God has forgiven us on the basis of Christ’s work, so we are to forgive others. Paul says something similar in Ephesians:
           
“32Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NASB95, emphasis mine)
 
It’s interesting to note that again forgiveness is tied to kindness, compassion and tender-heartedness. From my experience it seems apparent that failure to forgive results in bitterness and hard-heartedness. So, it takes a tender heart to be forgiving, but it also takes forgiveness to keep a tender heart.
 
Both of the above passages quickly link forgiving one another to how God has forgiven us through the work of Jesus Christ. I wonder if that is not only to point out that we are to follow Christ and walk out our lives following His pattern, but if it also alludes to the fact that because we are forgiven people, we are able to forgive. Saying it another way, through the transforming work of God, who has poured out His Spirit on us, we are now forgiving people. What we once were has passed away (2 Corinthians 5:17) and now, as adopted children (Ephesians 1:5), holy and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12,) we are able and willing to forgive, like our Heavenly Father. In his commentary on Colossians, Scott McKnight proposes that showing each other the grace that God, in Christ, had shown us was a mark of the early Christian church.[2]
 
[1] McKnight, Scott. 2018. The Letter to the Colossians. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 323.

[2] McKnight, Scott. 2018. The Letter to the Colossians. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 323.

Illustration/Example:
I am really growing in my understanding of forgiveness this season. I now realize that in the past often what I called forgiving was really making up excuses for people in my head like, “they didn’t know better,“ or “they were not capable,” etc. Someone recently showed me that is not forgiveness. Creating an alternative narrative in my head to explain away wrongdoing is not forgiveness. I believe forgiveness is able to look directly at the wrong and still let it go. I believe this is only possible as we let it go to God and trust Him with the other person, the situation and ourselves. I think the biblical evidence shows that Christians are commanded to forgive, and therefore, by God’s grace, are able to forgive.
 
Recently while I was watching the first movie in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (which is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel of the same name), I noticed an interaction between Arwin, an elf, and Aragorn, the man she loved. In this fantasy world Arwin has a special necklace that holds the power of her immortal life as an elf. As she and Aragorn prepare to part ways and proceed into dangerous situations, Arwin takes off her necklace to give to Aragorn. He resists, because it represents her giving up so much. She responds that the necklace is hers to give and she gives it to him.
 
As I watched that scene my mind wandered to forgiveness. I had the sense that forgiveness is both valuable and costly, like Arwin’s necklace. Jesus’ death on the cross shows us that. And like Arwin’s necklace was hers to choose to give, forgiveness is ours to give.
 
I am starting to think that, in order to forgive, I have to accept the cost of the other person’s wrongdoing I now have to bear, even though it is not fair and ought not to be so. To forgive, I no longer work to make the offending party “pay.” I voluntarily refuse my right to payment and accept the consequences. I think I can only do this as I turn to God and He bears it with me, for me, through me somehow. But, in this way, forgiveness is a way forward in Christ. I no longer need to wait on the other person to do anything. I have let go of requiring them to do anything before I choose to forgive them and I am able to move past the offense. Although costly, this is freeing… and really the only way open to us because to refuse to forgive is to trap ourselves in bitterness.
 
Important
Whenever I attempt to speak about forgiveness, I try to communicate that forgiveness does not mean staying in an abusive situation. If someone is harming you, you should get safely away from them and seek help immediately. If you witness or are made aware of harm being done, you have an obligation to speak and to protect vulnerable people.
 
Forgiveness does not mean that we prevent those who have done wrong from experiencing the consequences of sinful behavior. We can only forgive what is owed us, we cannot forgive what is owed others.
 
I do not think that forgiveness means that trust has been restored, I think that in Christ the restoration of trust is possible but is a process that both parties need to engage in.
 
This blog post only begins to explore the huge issue of forgiveness and I am in process as I seek to understand biblical forgiveness myself. Please enter a comment below or email me to continue the conversation so we can all grow together [email protected].
 
Practical applications 
Reflect on God’s forgiveness.
These passages all bring us back to God’s forgiveness of us through Christ. Consider taking some time to reflect on how God has forgiven you. Psalm 32 or Colossians 2:13-15 may be helpful in your reflections as well.
 
Forgive someone you have a complaint against.
I know, I know, easier said than done… but I believe these passages declare forgiveness among Christians is possible and even expected. Consider starting with a prayer for grace, after all forgiveness is closely associated with grace. I’m not a forgiveness expert, but if you are struggling I know there are experienced pastors and counselors who would welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you. Forgiving sets our hearts free to be tender and compassionate. It’s worth the investment of time and energy to seek out support and help.
 
A final word:
Leaders can forgive through Christ.

Comment: 
How have you seen forgiveness restore relationships?

So often our society’s measures of success depend on things outside our control, which can cause stress, feelings of helplessness and even depression. Success, if it can even really be called that in the Bible, is not measured by profits and productivity, but by pleasing God. It has more to do with our manner, our posture before God. Are we getting to know God and His ways more and more? Are we on God’s agenda? Are we thankful? These are better indicators of "success." In the end, I believe success is obeying God.

Benefits for leaders who are well-mannered:
Assuming a posture of obedience and thankfulness to God brings the leader into a position where they can be productive in ways that please God, which is rewarding.

Benefits for the community with well-mannered leaders:
Leadership that pleases God also blesses the community.
 
Biblical inspiration and support:
The leadership concept I have named, “well-mannered” springs from the following passage in Colossians 1. It was my attempt to name the posture or way of living life that is described here by Paul:

“9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:9–14, ESV, emphasis mine)
 
What is it to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,” or to be “well-mannered”? In short, it is to be fully pleasing to God. Here Paul provides a list of what is pleasing to God as he describes what it looks like to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord:
 
1. “bearing fruit in every good work…” (vs 10) So a fruitful life, a life of doing good, pleases God. This reminds me of John 15 when Jesus cautions that in order to bear any fruit at all we, as branches, must be vitally connected to Him, the vine. We are to bear fruit by doing good work, but we are not to do that off on our own but in vital connection to the Lord.
 
2. “increasing in the knowledge of God…” (vs 10) In order to walk in a manner worthy of God, we must know God’s character, His will and His ways. It makes sense that if we act in alignment with God’s desires, His agenda, that we would please Him. So, to be well-mannered requires continually growing in the knowledge of God, something that occurs as we spend time in His Word individually and with other Christians.
 
3. “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with great joy…” (vs. 11) There seems to be good news and bad news in this verse. First, the bad news. There is need for endurance and patience. There is trouble for Christians in this life. But to be well mannered is to endure these hardships. If you don’t feel equal to this demand, you are not alone. People do not have this ability in themselves. The good news is that Christians are empowered by God so they can endure… and endure with joy! Difficult times come, and what a blessing to know that the almighty God strengthens His servants with power to persevere during the hard times… and with joy! When God is our source of power, we can have joy even when things are tough. To be well-mannered is to rely on God’s power in times of difficulty so that we can endure with joy.
 
4. “giving thanks to the Father…” (vs. 12) Here again this crucial characteristic of the Christian life is listed (see Leadership A to Z: Thankful). God’s servants are able to have perspective in the midst of challenges because we know our future will be with God in His presence and that He is giving us a glorious inheritance. Even when facing loss, we can be thankful our future is secure and will endure.
 
Illustration/Example:
One day I was with a leader who was mentoring me when a problem came up in their team. I know this person to be constantly growing in their personal relationship with God, their knowledge of the Bible, and in their leadership skills. I was with them as they got the news that there was a problem, and I immediately started to feel overwhelmed. They did not. They smiled and then spoke of the opportunity this problem presented to have some important conversations with the team members involved and to mentor them so they could grow.
 
This leader’s response had a significant impact on me. As I reflected on this later, I saw how this leader was relying on God’s power and so did not feel overwhelmed like I did when the problem presented itself. They were expecting God was working in the situation and in the people involved. I think this expectation emboldened them to face a problem that seemed overwhelming to me. I even sensed a thankfulness in them for the opportunity this problem provided for good fruit in the team and for personal growth for those involved.  I think this leader was a “successful” leader as they approached this situation with courage and confidence, trusting in God.  This story provides a glimpse of what I think it looks like for a leader to be “well-mannered” in the way described in Colossians 1.

Practical applications
Pray the prayer.
Colossians 1:9-14 is a prayer. Consider praying it for yourself and/or for your team members this week.
 
Grow in the knowledge of God.
Consider how you might take a step towards knowing God’s will and His ways better. Are there some good habits you have practiced in the past that have gotten lost along the way that it might be time to dust off and implement again?
Some suggestions include: reading the Bible regularly, meeting with a friend or small group to talk about God, the Bible and life as a Christian, and/or attending church services.
 
Give thanks.
Someone I respect recently shared with me that they have a journal where they regularly record what they are thankful for each day. After a few years of this practice, they said they can see how it has affected their life. Consider regularly writing down in a journal, computer document or smartphone note a few things you for which you are thankful as a way of thanking God for them.
 
A final word:
Success
is not about profits and productivity...
Success
is about pleasing God.

Comment: 
How do you measure a leader’s success?

Benefits for leaders who are know they are valuable to God:
1. It is disabling to get your sense of worth from success. Conversely, when one’s value is firmly rooted and established in the love of God, there is freedom to fail and therefore the freedom to take risks.
2. Leaders who know they are valuable to God are free from the pressure to rush to attain some standard of success and are able to take their time and make decisions more objectively.

Benefits for the community when leaders know they are valuable and value each member:
1. Communities that value each member are hospitable environments where people can grow.
2. When team members feel valued, they offer more of their creativity and energy to the enterprise and the team prospers.
 
Biblical inspiration and support:
The Bible teaches that we are valuable not because of our performance or our success, but because God values us. He has shown our great worth:
 
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ( John 3:16, ESV)
 
That may be a familiar verse to you, but I implore you not to hurry on. Take a minute and consider it anew. God placed so much value on the people He created that He gave His only Son, Jesus, to die a horrible, painful, shameful death. The cross is the evidence of the worth God puts on us. We were worth dying for.
 
We are not valuable because we are so smart, attractive, clever or productive.
We are valuable because God says we are.
He actually showed we are valuable when Jesus died on the cross.
And if God says we are valuable, He is God and therefore it is so.
No matter how you performed today, no matter if you feel like a success or a failure, you matter.
We are so valuable to God—His love for us is so great—that Jesus died for us.
 
In Ephesians 1, Paul lists out many truths about us as Christians:
 
“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:3–14, ESV)
 
I want to draw out a few of the beautiful things in this passage. As Christians we are…
 
1. CHOSEN: God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (vs 4). Let that sink in today. You are chosen. In the long line before the ball game in the school yard of life God pointed to you and said, I choose that one. And He chose you not because of your resumé, not because of your performance. He chose you before the world was even created which means before you were born.
 
2. ADOPTED: In love, we were predestined to be adopted as God’s children and heirs (vs 4-5, 11). God knows all things and knew that our adoption would cost the death of his Son, and he did so anyway. Why? Why did God do this? It was His will. It was His will to do what it would take, Jesus dying on the cross, so we could be adopted in love.
 
3. FORGIVEN: Through Jesus’ death we have forgiveness (vs 7).
 
4. LAVISHED IN GRACE: God has not given us His grace sparingly; He has generously poured out His grace upon us with all wisdom and insight (vs 8).
 
5. SEALED WITH THE PROMISED HOLY SPIRIT: We are secure, having been sealed with the Holy Spirit which is a sign of the guarantee of our future resurrection and inheritance.
 
What love God has shown! What value the Lord has placed on us! That we have been chosen, adopted, forgiven… that we have had God’s grace abundantly lavished on us and that we are sealed with the Holy Spirt. And this is done on our behalf. We have not earned it. We do not deserve it. We received God’s forgiveness and blessings based on our faith in Jesus Christ and His death, resurrection and ascension.
 
What about the good works we are to do, though? Like in Ephesians 2? Are those still important?
“ 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
 
These good works flow out of our vital connection to God (see John 15). As Paul says, we work with His power that works so powerfully within us (Colossians 1:29). These good works are not assignments God hands us as we go out the door to go and accomplish on our own. Lately I have been wondering what these “works” actually are? Are they like the tasks we do at a job that pays us for our service? Or are they the works of loving God and loving our neighbor? Or some of both? All that to say, while good works are important, our value never comes from what we do.
 
In the end Christian leaders do not find our confidence in what we do or even in the success of the team we are leading. Our confidence comes from the assurance that ultimately praise, glory and honor come from God, (and to God) not from people (1 Peter 1:6-7, Psalm 84:11). After all, we are God’s workmanship – no one else’s! (Ephesians 2:10).
 
Illustration/Example:
The problem is, part of me likes getting my value from what I accomplish. It seems like it has worked out pretty well for me in my life because I am a top-performing, highly productive type of person. I like the honor I get from what others see as success. But in the end, this is bondage. Everyone needs to be valued, and if we think we have to perform well to be valued, when failure comes or we hit difficulties and are unable to produce, we hit a personal crisis. We end up trying to please or trying to succeed so we can feel valued. I think Jesus offers us a way out of this never-ending game. We are valuable because God says so, period. From that place of security, as we remain in Christ as branches remain in a vine, we will bear fruit, much fruit, and fruit that will last (John 15).
 
Practical applications 
Forgiven.
I feel like someone reading needs to hear today they are forgiven. Jesus’ death on the cross is completely sufficient payment for the wrongs you have done, said or thought. As He said just before He died, “It is finished…” (John 19:30, ESV).
 
I invite you to read and consider this word of truth:
 
“6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:6–10, ESV).
 
As we come to Jesus, not making excuses, but accepting the truth that we have sinned and need Him to save us, we are forgiven and cleansed. Jesus’ work is completely adequate for each of us to be forgiven and washed clean. This is such good news!
 
If you are having a hard time experiencing the joy of Christ’s forgiveness, I find that a time of confession can help me come into the light with God and restore connection and intimacy in our relationship. A tool to help is available here.
 
Facing your value.
So often we have to face hard truths about ourselves, but how much time do we invest in facing life-giving truths about ourselves? Consider spending some time in Ephesians 1:3-14. Here are some suggestions:
 
1. Read the passage and pay attention to what phrase seems to stick out to you. Then spend time meditating on this phrase and praying for God to bring His revelation.
2. Read through the 5 points above and pick one to ponder and ask the Lord to help you really believe it and take it in.
3. Memorize a verse—or the whole passage—so that you can take it with you wherever you go and so that it can be food for your spiritual life.
 
A final word:
Leaders are valuable…
Because people are valuable to God.

Comment: 
What helps you when you fail?

Benefits for leaders who are understanding:
1. It is a relief that leaders are not required to be perfect or to know all the answers. Leaders are directed to be understanding.
2. Understanding might be a way of staying open to God’s correction. And God’s correction is always an invitation to a better way. A friend shared, “It is so natural to become defensive of your own way instead of having a heart ready to learn and truly understand.” And, “…staying open to God’s correction does lead to a better way…if you are humble and willing to see something new.”
3. This kind of understanding, this expertise, does not puff one up with pride, but results in “the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13 ESV).

Benefits for the community with understanding leaders:
1. Keeping God’s will as the priority ensures the well-being of the community will not be sacrificed for production or efficiency goals.
2. Understanding leaders are open to other points of view and to correction as they look for God’s will in every situation.
 
Biblical inspiration and support:
In Ephesians Paul directs Christians to be wise, to make the best use of the time they are given and to be understanding:
“15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15–21, ESV, emphasis mine)
 
Here Paul is drawing a contrast between being foolish and understanding the will of God.
The foolish in the Bible are not those who dream, or who fail, or who don’t know all the answers… the foolish are those who “say there is no God” (Psalm 14:1, 53:1), are ignorant of God’s will (Ephesians 5:17) and who reject God (Romans 1:21-23).
 
What is it to be understanding? A Greek lexicon defines the word in Ephesians 5:17 as: “to have an intelligent grasp of [something] that challenges one’s thinking or practice, understand, comprehend.” [1] It is intriguing that the idea of understanding includes comprehending something that would not be in line with your usual way thinking, something that even challenges your natural way of thinking about something. This sounds like correction. And this concept extends not just to our thoughts, but to what we do, to how we live our life. All of which makes sense in the context of Ephesians, as Paul is giving direction for living.
 
Applying all this I might restate verse 17 like this: Do not reject God or be ignorant of what He wills but instead become informed of God’s will – especially where it challenges your usual pattern of thinking – and live your life in submission, agreement and alignment with God’s will.
 
Applying this passage to leadership, we can acknowledge that although no leader can be perfect, all leaders can grow in understanding. As we acknowledge God and seek to understand His will and His ways by studying His Word, we gain an “intelligent grasp”[2] of them, allowing them to change our ways of thinking and leading. As a result, though we are not without flaw, we are growing. As we near the end of our Leadership A to Z journey, this has been the goal. That we would grow in our understanding as leaders.
 
Illustration/Example:
Years ago I had thought that the leader was the most opinionated and dominating person in the group. I equated that with wisdom. The result was that I feared leaders and did not want to be one. Reading James 3:13-18 challenged my way of thinking and revealed that God’s idea of wisdom was different than mine. It defines heavenly wisdom in relational terms like: submissive, sincere and peace-loving (see James 3:17, NIV). These concepts ran contrary to my picture of wisdom and leadership. Embracing this correction has resulted not only in a change of thinking, but in how I conduct myself as a Christian leader. Really, I think the ripple effects in my life and leadership continue as I keeping growing in understanding of the Lord’s will and ways corresponding to leadership.
 
As a friend of mine considered what it means to be understanding they related it not only to being humble towards God and open to His correction, but also to other people. In their words: “What great steps forward are missed, what opportunities not taken because a leader does not stop to listen or dismisses another's thoughts and ideas.”  
 
Practical applications:
What makes you feel foolish?
Spend some time reading Psalm 14:1, 53:1, Romans 1:18-32, Ephesians 5:15-21. How does the Bible define foolishness? How does that differ from how you have thought about foolishness in the past?
 
Read the Bible.
So, as we kick off a new year, perhaps it is time to adopt a habit of being in God’s Word regularly. If we are going to grow in our understanding of God’s will, there is no better place than in His Word. If you are struggling, consider trying something new like:

• Getting an app on your phone with Bible reading plans (I have the YouVersion app and they just sent me these 4 tips to starting a Bible reading habit).
• Listening to the Bible on audio.
• Asking a friend to read through a book of the Bible with you and check in with a text once a week with reflections.

 
If you struggle with perfectionism, it may help to tell yourself that reading some is better than reading none. If you have not been reading much, reading every day might be unrealistic… so if you miss a few days, shake it off and read again. God’s Word is crucial to spiritual growth. And He will help us as we seek to know Him better through His Word.
If you need suggestions where to start try Psalms, John, Ephesians and/or Genesis.
 
Where do you need to get an “intelligent grasp”[3] of God’s will? What issues are you facing that you have not sought the Lord about?
Take some time to seek out assistance in finding the Lord’s will as it relates to your issues. I hope that past Leadership A to Z blog articles may be helpful, and please email me ([email protected]) if you struggle to find how the Bible applies to your issue, and I will do my best to help. You might also try something like www.biblegateway.com, which has a search feature.
 
A final word:
Leaders do not need to be perfect…
But they do need to be understanding.

Comment: 
How have you seen leaders show they are understanding?


[1] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 972). Chicago: University of Chicago Press, συνίημι.

[2] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 972). Chicago: University of Chicago Press, συνίημι.

[3] Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., Bauer, W., & Gingrich, F. W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 972). Chicago: University of Chicago Press, συνίημι.

Doesn’t it seem like thankful people are often happier people? When one is thankful there is often a sense of well-being and abundance. As Christians, we are not just generally thankful, we are thankful to God. And thankfulness is a way to connect with God. Psalm 100 gives us a glimpse of how we come before our gracious Father, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving...” (Psalm 100:4, ESV).

Benefits for leaders who are thankful:
1. Practicing thankfulness requires reflection on God’s faithfulness in the past and present, which helps cultivate expectation of a future where God will continue to be faithful.
2. Being grateful is by nature humbling, which is always helpful for leaders who may be tempted towards arrogance because of their position of influence.

Benefits for the community with thankful leaders:
1. Expressing thanksgiving for people on the team and the gifts they contribute is a powerful way to affirm others and build up a community.
2. Being thankful for collaboration invites more collaboration. When leaders recognize and affirm the perspectives, ideas and contributions of the team by showing gratitude, team members offer even more and the whole enterprise prospers.
 
Biblical inspiration and support:
In Colossians 3 the apostle Paul gives instructions on how Christians are to live. It’s striking how often he directs us to be thankful in this passage:
 
"15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:15–17, ESV, emphasis mine)
 
He begins, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15, ESV). Here thankfulness is closely related to peace ruling our hearts, this is also seen in Philippians 4 with a bit more instruction:
“4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4–7, ESV)
 
Here Christians are directed not to worry about their concerns, but to present them to God in prayer with thanksgiving. Why thanksgiving? Presumably because we know that the Lord hears us and answers us when we pray according to His will (1 John 5:14-15). This is all good news and reason to be thankful.
 
Recalling God’s faithfulness in the past can be helpful as we strive to be thankful. For example, the writers of the Psalms often recalled God’s deliverance from Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea to bring to mind God’s great goodness, power and faithfulness. Following that model, we might ask ourselves, how have we experienced God’s faithfulness in our lives? We can express our thanks to God for His gifts and interventions. I have a friend who taught me that our anxieties grow when we imagine a future without God there. I think she is right. And the truth is, there is not a future where God will not be there! And God will be God in the future as He has been God in the past. He does not change. So, as we recall His faithful work and provision in our lives in the past, it helps us to imagine the future more accurately, with our faithful God there working to save, heal and restore.
 
Next, the passage speaks of supplication. As we ask for God’s help, we trust God for the timing and particulars of His answer. Trusting God with our concerns with thanksgiving seems to relate to experiencing the peace of God—a peace which is so amazing it does not even make sense to us. This peace is being described in this passage as being like a shield or guard against anxiety itself. This peace guards both our thoughts and our emotions. It would be unwise to try to make this passage into some kind of transactional equation—where if I do this I get that—but it does seem that asking God for what we need and being thankful are part of experiencing this peace. I wonder if that might be because both expressing our thankfulness and being vulnerable with God about our needs help us become conscious of God’s presence and open our hearts to experience the peace that God has given us. They both help us connect with God. And so, bringing us back to the idea of supplication, thanksgiving is part of our prayer life.
 
Thanksgiving is not just for moments of concentrated prayer though. In this passage we read that we are to be thankful as we sing songs of praise to God, as we study His word and as we teach and correct each other. In fact, “whatever we do” (Colossians 3:15) we are to be thankful. But this command is not burdensome. Being thankful is a blessed posture. When we are thankful, our hearts are full and overflowing. When we are thankful, we are more convinced of the abundance God provides and are therefore more generous people. There is a joy to discover in thankfulness!
 
Illustration/Example:
One time I was angry at someone close to me. As I drove my car, I indulged in listing off all my complaints against this person. I felt more and more justified in my anger towards them and my heart burned within me. Then I realized (thank you God) how hard my heart was towards this person. So, I pivoted and started thanking God for this person. It was not easy at first, but I started listing off anything that came to mind I could be thankful for about them and our relationship. After a while, my heart started to melt. I started to gain connection with God and a sense of His love for this person who had hurt my feelings and angered me. I started realizing they were just a person like me, weak and flawed. I started having compassion. Turning my heart toward a posture of thankfulness helped me connect with God and moved more towards reconciliation with someone important in my life.
 
Practical applications 
Thankful for the one who is disappointing or irritating you
When you find you have a complaint in your heart against someone on your team (or in your family or church community) start thanking God for them. Start listing off anything you can think of to be thankful for, and see how your attitude towards them changes.
 
Start with the obvious
There was a time I was so crabby, irritated and full of complaint I could not think of anything to be thankful for, so I thought “I’ll just thank God for what I can see.” I was driving so I saw a traffic light. So, I thanked God for the traffic light, which led to thanking God for the orderly way traffic flows so we don’t all get into car accidents. Then I thanked God for the colors red and green. That led to more thanksgiving and soon my icy heart was melting.
 
If you are having trouble getting the thanksgiving train started, consider starting with what you can see. Try starting with something that even seems silly. Just start, and the Lord’s grace will carry you. He empowers us to obey His commands, and one of those commands is to be thankful.
 
“18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:18–21, ESV, emphasis mine)
 
Try giving thanks to God starting with what you can see, touch, smell, taste or hear right now.
 
Present your concerns to God with thanksgiving
Read Philippians 4:4-7 slowly and thoughtfully. Then try to follow its pattern. Here are some suggestions:
1. Rejoice in the Lord. Take a moment to praise God.
2. Present the things you are concerned about to the Lord in prayer.
3. Thank the Lord that He hears your prayers, that He is faithful to you, that He is good, that He will sustain you and help you. If you believe God has answered your prayers in the past, thank Him for those specific answers. Thank Him for His faithful love.
4. Ask the Lord to reveal to you anything you need to do related to your requests today, and trust the rest to Him.
5. If you notice you are losing that sense of peace as you go through your day, consider taking a moment to lift up that request to God again briefly and thank Him that He hears you, He is trustworthy and He is working…And trust Him with it again. In this way we can respond to that tug of anxiety by turning to God for a moment of connection as we put our concern back in His hands. I have an app on my phone that reminds me twice a day to pause and trust God with everyone and everything (One Minute Pause App) and I have found those reminders helpful.
 
A final word:
Thankfulness sparks connectedness with God and with each other.

Comment: 
How have you seen leaders express gratitude to their teams?

Benefits for leaders who serve:
1. Serving God frees us from the tyranny of our own desires and ambitions and allows us to instead commit ourselves to God’s agenda, His mission, His goals—which are always good.
2. As we pursue God’s will, as we are called according to His purpose, we are assured all things work together for us (Romans 8).
3. God has all the resources required to accomplish His will, so as those submitted to and serving His will, we can rely on His power and resources and not our own abilities.

Benefits for the community where leaders serve:
1. Communities thrive when their leaders aim to serve them, and when leaders provide an example of service others in the community can follow.
2. True freedom is not found in doing what we feel like, but in serving the Lord as we serve one another. We find fulfillment in serving the Lord not ourselves.
3. In serving God we find unity of purpose, and therefore the ability to agree, collaborate and move forward.

Biblical inspiration and support:
One day Jesus’ disciples were arguing about greatness:
”33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. 35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.’” (Mark 9:33–37, ESV, emphasis mine)
 
What does it take to be great? How can someone be first? Jesus answers: by being last, by serving others. This is not how we often think about greatness. But this is the way of the Kingdom of God…
 
Jesus “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…” (Philippians 2:7, NIV). He came, “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28, ESV). Jesus served. And it’s remarkable how often Paul calls himself and others on his mission team servants[1]  of God or servants of fellow Christians (see 2 Corinthians 4:5). Many now see Paul as a great leader. His example, after Christ’s own example, was to empty himself of status and to serve.
 
We see more of what serving might look like in this description in 1 Peter:
“8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:8–11, ESV)
 
We are to serve by being good stewards of the gifts God has given us, whether they be gifts of speech or “service” which can mean, “perform duties, render assistance, serve…”[2]. To be a good steward is to serve others. If we begin at verse 8 we see all of this is placed in the context of loving earnestly. Out of this eager love is to flow generous hospitality, speech that builds up and speaks the truth, and actions that assist and benefit others. Out of sincere love we are to serve others with our words and actions… and this not from our own resources but “by the strength that God supplies…” (1 Peter 4:11, ESV). And what is the result? That God may be glorified.
 
Pouring out our lives in service to God by serving others is the way to genuine greatness.

[1] “δουλος,” which can also be rendered subject or slave.( See Romans 1:1, Galatians 1:10, Colossians 4:12, Philippians 1:1, 2 Timothy 2:24, and Titus 1:1 ) William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 260.

[2] William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 229.
 
Illustration/Example:
Today, the example comes from The Example, Jesus. Read this passage and let your imagination paint the picture of our Lord and Savior, laying aside His outer clothes, picking up a basin, and kneeling at the feet of each member of His team and washing the dirt off their toes.
 
“3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” (John 13:3–16, ESV)
 
Practical applications 
Wash their feet
Pray for those you lead and ask the Lord what you might do that would be a way to “wash their feet” and serve them. Trust Him to reveal a way to you, and when He does, obey.
 
Agenda check
Quickly write down your top five priorities of what you want to get done this week.
As you consider these, ask yourself:

• How did I arrive at these priorities?
• Who set this agenda?
• Remember that a servant of God serves God's priorities.
• Are these God’s priorities?

 
Consider taking time to pray through each of the priorities you wrote down, submitting them to the Lord and inviting Him to change them, add to them, or reprioritize them.
 
As we end this year and begin a new year, you may consider taking an extended time to prayerfully reflect on your priorities for the next year and ask the Lord:

• Lord, are these the tasks you want me to accomplish? Should I cross some off my list? Add any?
• Lord, is it your desire that I be committed to these obligations? Are there any I should consider letting go? Any new ones I should consider?
• Lord, are these the people and relationships you want me investing in?  Are there additional people I am not thinking of? If so, please bring them to mind or across my path and help me to notice them!

 
A final word:
To be great is to serve.

Comment: 
When have you seen a leader serve well?

Unlike a competitive culture which devalues and even dehumanizes people, Christian leaders are called to value each person and affirm their God-given worth.
​
Benefits for leaders who are respectful of others:
When we show respect and honor, love flows freely and individuals, relationships and communities thrive. On the contrary, self-focused ambition results in leaders becoming more and more unwise (James 3). 

Benefits for the community where leaders are respectful of others:
Respecting and honoring team members energizes the atmosphere. As we celebrate diverse perspectives and ideas, it enriches the team's creativity, problem-solving, and productivity.

Biblical inspiration and support:
First Peter teaches how Christians are to live their lives as they interact with human institutions. Peter writes:
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17, NIV)
In this passage it seems that the honor and respect given have to do with the offices these people hold. I think we are familiar with showing honor and respect in that way. Paul, also writing on how to live as a Christian in society in Romans 12, writes:
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10, ESV)
His words seem directed more toward the behavior of Christians toward one another. Showing honor in this situation does not have to do with political status, but seems to be associated with loving one another. Here’s the longer passage to provide context:
”9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”
(Romans 12:9–16, ESV, emphasis mine)
 
The idea of outdoing one another in showing each other honor has really captured my heart and imagination.

• What if we did compete as Christians – but not to be better or superior compared to another, nor to have greater status than a brother or sister?
• What if we had a light-hearted competition to show each other respect and honor?
• What if we went out of our way to communicate other people’s great value?
• What if instead of being focused on drawing people’s attention to our accomplishments, we brought attention to others’ accomplishments?
• What if we blessed the gifts we saw in others and prayed for them to grow?
• What if we celebrated others’ accomplishments with gusto in public?
• What if we gave away opportunities to people we know are ready to grow into them?

 
All Christians are called to honor one another. Leaders have a unique position and authority to offer respect and to honor others and therefore have additional responsibility to do so. Furthermore, as leaders model this attitude and lifestyle, they are examples. Leaders are to lead the way in eagerly showing others honor. Leaders should be giving away credit, affirmation and blessing every chance we get!
 
Christians are to communicate that each person is hand-crafted by a loving God who made them on purpose and desires to be in a living, fruitful relationship with them. He showed the great value each person has to Him in giving up the life of His Son Jesus on the cross so they may be forgiven, restored and have eternal life.
We are to value people as Christ values them.
We are to honor people as those God has designed on purpose.
We are to respect people as God has made all worthy of respect.
 
The culture of the Kingdom of God is one where every person is treasured, honored and respected. It begins with the leaders outdoing everyone in showing honor.

Illustration/Example:
While at a conference hosted by a large church, I noticed how each speaker went out of their way to give long, honoring introductions to each other. At first it seemed a bit tedious to me, as I was not used to it, but over time I realized that it was strategic. Each person was showing honor to the others and it was contagious. I found myself wanting to call out and draw attention to the noble and noteworthy in the people in my area of influence as well. Honoring each other is energizing, and doesn’t that make sense—because blessing is empowered by God.
 
Practical applications
Comparing – a superpower misapplied.
Many of us naturally compare ourselves to others. The problem is, in comparison there is a winner and a loser. So, either we feel bad about ourselves, or we put the other person down in our mind. Friends, it is unwise to compare (2 Corinthians 10:12). What if God has given us the ability to notice people’s gifts, abilities, skills, personality traits… not to compare or judge, but to bless and affirm?
 
Let us respect the people we encounter as those made and loved by God. The next time we notice someone, instead of comparing ourselves or competing, let’s interpret the fact that they caught our attention as the Holy Spirit drawing our attention to them to pray for them and bless them. Let’s honor others by noticing and affirming the good gifts God has put into them. Let’s recognize their good accomplishments and attitudes. And let’s cheer them on. Let’s bless.
 
A final word:
The Kingdom of God has a culture of honor.

Comment: 
How have you seen leaders honor team members?

​Leaders bear a heavy load.

Thank you.

Thank you for all the things you do that no one ever notices.

Thank you.

Thank you for caring. Thank you for serving. Thank you for your time. Thank you for you energy.

May God bless you as a leader, refreshing your strength, renewing your vision and providing all that you need to do the work He calls you to do! He is faithful to do so.

You are a gift!
And I am thankful for you.