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?