Faithful on Fridays Blog

Let me start off this this week with a question. Why is it important to discipline (not punish) children? I think we would agree that it’s for them to learn what is right and wrong and what is safe and dangerous. Well, it’s the same with leaders. Peter’s life shows us that he was true to the meaning of disciple: he was a learner.

Peter was given the privilege to learn from the greatest teacher of all time, Jesus Christ. In essence, he was a learning leader. I submit that we should also be learning leaders as we study Jesus’ Leadership Development Plan with Peter and ultimately with us. As we walk through his life we observe that he was in a constant state of growth. His learning was intimate as he watched and experienced the Savior love and help people. Isn’t that our goal also?

The apostle Paul thought so for he wrote,

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Those good things include the people you lead whether it be at home, at work, or at church; you are a leader. Are you born a leader or do you learn to be a leader? Either way, leadership needs to be developed and fine-tuned. Yes, you will make mistakes and sometimes have poor judgment. You may take a step forward and then a step back but you are learning with each step. The good news is that the Holy Spirit is your divine Guide and Teacher; He will help you, if you ask Him.

In the Christian life you find out early that you can’t do it alone. You need help. Spending time with God is indispensable to your walk with Christ. He gives direction, guidance, encouragement, and sometimes correction when you are in His presence. We all need that. He will help you develop your strategy and teach you grace in dealing with others. Leadership means that someone is following you, be it a toddler, teenager, adult children, co-workers, or other Christians; to lead them in the right direction you need God.

Peter learned the hard way several times. Jesus even had to rebuke him publicly. His pride, self-centeredness, led him to think he was someone that he was not. Pride gets in the way of leaders more than anything. You don’t know it all, you don’t always have the best ideas, get over yourself! Humility is often learned but it doesn’t have to be the hard way.

Be intentional in your quest at leading by watching other leaders. Read their books, listen to their messages, and most importantly, watch and learn from the Lord.

Here are two writings that I learn from: Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels and a weekly blog, Intentional Leadership at MichaelHyatt.com

Read my full chapter at www.thecourseoflife.com and yes, be intentional.