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Leadership Development

Enduring Faithfulness

"'If you consider me a believer in the Lord, ‘ she said, ‘come an dstay at my house,'" said Lydia in Acts 16:15. The result was an opportunity to plant a new church in Philippi.

Faithfulness. It's the test of leadership which begins with praying, praising, Bible reading, attending church, and tithing. As we hear the Word of God, we must receive it and commit our lives to God. Faithfulness in small things expands leadership into greater responsibilities. Therefore, leadership sprouts from a servant's heart, flourishes in humility, and produces much fruit.

Church leaders who minister as servants make small, tedious tasks acceptable with joy, tasks which might otherwise have been distasteful, bitter, or difficult to complete. The secret of faithful service is in knowing who you are, why you are there, and who sent you to the task. No greater example of faithful service exists than the example of Jesus, who washed the disciples' feet to show His servanthood.

In his book, Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders writes: "True greatness, true leadership, is achieved not by reducing men to one's service but in giving oneself in selfless service to them."

God often prepares the faithful for future positions of leadership. The Holy Spirit's whisperings, longings that arise within, or a word of encouragement from another believer prepares us for the task. Years ago I longed for ministry on the mission field which seemed impossible. But as I remained faithful to my post, I received an invitation to travel abroad. I was privileged to visit not one country but many. The preparation for that task came in faithfulness and perseverance.

Leaders seldom remain in only one ministry. As responsibilities change with ministry, the leader may enter unknown fields which will demand sacrifice. Difficulties may arise in being separated from family or having to sever ties with friends and business associates. Yet, a leader can give new strength and depth as doors open and faithfulness is tested. We should remain submissive to God and walk uprightly in faithful commitment to His purpose.

At times adversity interrupts the faithful service of a leader. We tend to worry, mentally plan programs, arrange plans, and try to decide on methods of implementation. When criticism comes, we become frustrated. Budgets prove tight, and we feel pressure. When death seizes a loved one, we draw back into an empty, lonely shell, dreading responsibility, plodding on faithfully but wondering why. Yet during those times, added commitments seem to increase. Adversity only seems to catapult faithful leaders to greater service and furtherance of God's purpose.

Leaders must be faithful in all areas remaining "steadfast, unmovable: always abounding in the work of the Lord" (I Corinthians 15:58). Jesus said, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).