Leadership 101
Updated: Dec 2, 2021
My heart truly hurts for many American families that live every day in dire need of biblical leadership. For several years, I’ve served in youth ministry, conferences, Christian camps and schools and I can say without hesitation that many struggles of today’s generation are a pure result of a lack of biblical authority.
I’ve also noted many that have abandoned church and Gods Word are individuals who have been deeply hurt by leaders whether by an unbiblical or authoritarian action or by perceived mistreatment.
That fact is—leadership matters! Who God has given us to lead matters and how we lead matters.
Take a look at these stats:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19.5 million children, more than 1 in 4, live without a father in the home.
63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/Census) – 5 times the average.
90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.
71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report)
75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes – 10 times the average.
Researchers at Columbia University found that children living in two-parent household with a poor relationship with their father are 68% more likely to smoke, drink, or use drugs compared to all teens in two-parent households. Teens in single mother households are at a 30% higher risk than those in two-parent households.
85% of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Fulton Co. Georgia, Texas Dept. of Correction)
According to Barna Group:
80% of pastors are depressed
94% feel pressure to have a perfect family
81% has no time for spouse
80% says ministry has negative impact on their family
81% say they don’t have a close friend
Most pastors juggle 16 tasks weekly
That data proves it. Leadership has severe consequences, good or bad. In a world that is begging for guidance, we must claim the Biblical approach to leading our homes, churches, and businesses. King David, the great king Israel, lays a small foundation for some biblical characteristics of leadership in Psalm 101. One commentator calls this chapter, a course in “Leadership 101.” Notice please:
David’s Focus
Repeatedly in this passage we see David’s “I will” statements. You can almost hear the grit of determination in his voice as he proclaims the will to recover the ark of the covenant from enemy hands.
It is obvious to the reader where David’s focus is—on God. It is so easy for us to get focused on ourselves in our place of leadership. How are they benefitting me? Are they making me look good? Are they helping me? If we are not careful, instead of setting our eyes on Jesus, we will focus on everyone setting theirs on us, therefore robbing God of His rightful glory.
I wonder how many times I have robbed the glory that rightfully belong to the Lord?
David’s Family
The person you really are is on full display in your home. You can’t fake it for very long. Your wife knows the real you. Your kids know the real you. And most importantly God knows the real you.
We see David’s tenacity with being thoroughly right with God, “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” He knew that if he led his home with a clean heart, then God would bless his leadership outside of the family walls. (Psalm 51:10)
How do you prioritize leading your home? What is it that hinders you from taking seriously the role that you play in the family unit? My friend, God takes it seriously and so should you.
David’s Friends
“You are who your friends are or you soon will be.” The people you call your team will make or break you in the game of life. David understood this the importance of wise counsel for he had an entire kingdom to run! He needed people to encourage him but also tell him what he didn’t want to hear.
There is a grave distinct we would be remorseful to miss here. Notice anything common thread about the people he chooses to cutoff? People that abuse their own lips.
Instead, David focused on the “faithful of the land.” He surrounded himself with people that progressed the cause of God, not hindered it.
Evaluate your team. Are they advancing God’s cause, or yours?
David’s Fight
As a leader, you have got to wholeheartedly guard what God has entrusted you with. That means keeping a watch out for worldly influences that try to invade you domain. That means saying “no” to some things because God says so in His Word.
Being a biblical leader is not the popular route to take, but it one that brings for everlasting lasting fruit that the world cannot take away.
Are you the leader that God wants you to be? Or, are you a self-reliant, iron-fist kind of leader that has settled for a fearful rebellion versus a Spirit-filled reliance?
For more on this topic, check out this podcast episode!
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