Leading From Living

Bienhome Muivah *

Christmas Eve at MBC Church, Imphal on 25 December 2013 :: Pix - Daniel Chabungbam / Premanda Yumnam

Spiritual leadership at its deepest core is leadership from the heart. The fruitfulness of a leader's work is proportional to the sanctification of his heart toward God. Godliness (heart) and God given skill (hand) make leadership authentic and dynamic. And we find these characteristics in the spiritual leaders of every generation. These qualities are specially mentioned about David who shepherded Israel with 'Integrity of heart and skillfulness of hands' (Ps. 78:72).

Godliness in leadership is largely ignored today. Somehow we have missed that point. Performing and succeeding has become more important than being and becoming. The reason is, most leaders do not approach the subject of leadership from a Biblical perspective. Education, charisma, and skills are pursued instead of godly character. A godly life is an utter necessity for effective spiritual leadership. Character still counts. Without pursuing godliness, or holiness, no man-leaders include-will see God (Heb. 12:14). The word of God further reminds us that the heart of a leader is the necessary starting point for spiritual leadership.

This is the place where God begins. "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strength those whose hearts are fully committed to Him" (2 Chron. 16:9). In warning Samuel anointing David's oldest brother, Eliab, God said, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as a man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (I Sam 16:6-7). Remember "the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart."

It is impossible to separate a vibrant, godly life and vibrant spiritual leadership. Paul solemnly reminded Timothy that there should be no disjunction between the heart, character and life of a man of God. "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you" (I Tim. 4:16).

There must be no disjunction between our calling and living, or between our faith and practice. God is primarily interested in who you are than what you do. The latter will flow from the former.

The Fear of God

The greatest thing a Christian leader needs to obtain in his life is a godly lifestyle-the fear of God. Fear of God and the concept of godliness are interchangeably used in the Bible. In Old Testament theology true spirituality is always centered on the fear of God (Prov. 1:7; Eccl. 12:13; Ex. 20:20; Deut. 6:13; 28:58; Ps. 128). The reason that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of both knowledge and wisdom is that the moral life begins with reverence and humility before the creator and redeemer (Prov. 1:7). God requires us all to fear Him (a holy, reverential awe resulting in obedience, purity and worship) (Deut. 10:12-13).

Solomon concludes the book of Ecclesiastes with a summary of his wisdom. "The conclusion when all has been heard is: "Fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil". The command to fear God is coordinate with the command to keep His commandments, indicating that true reverence toward God is to be manifested by obedience to Him. True godliness (fear of God) is accompanied by an awareness of future judgment (Eccl. 12:14).

In a provocative essay on the necessity of godliness in pastoral ministry, Joel Beeke gives a timely warning to pastors. "If we are to be effective preachers and pastors, we must resolve by God's grace, to be godly or we must leave the ministry. We must have a growing, varied, and original life with God".

Contemporary 'ministerialism' has to rediscover the theology and practice of the fear of God. Godliness is an utter necessity for Christian leaders. It is the foundation of pastoral ministry. Character is to be placed over credentials and personhood over performance. Remember, character is what we will be held accountable, for credentials won't count at the judgment seat of Christ.

The Spiritual Dimension of a Leader's life.

KNOWING GOD

Knowing God is the most important and meaningful pursuit in life. It is our calling and destiny; our hope, privilege, and blessing, and thus it should be our great ambition. Jeremiah 9:23-24 expresses this truth: "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and Knows Me".

The heartbeat of a godly life is a personal and intimate acquaintance with God. Listen to the word of Eliphaz: "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee" (Job 22:21).

The wonderful experience of knowing God will affect the entire ministry and will create impacting influence on others. This is the secret of vitality and freshness in leading. It imparts authority and power in ministry. Authentic life begins here. According to Jesus, authentic life is eternal life and eternal life in essence knows God. It is God's life being lived out in us. This is what Jesus prayed in His priestly prayer: "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3).

God has a passionate desire to reveal Himself to us. In Hosea 6:6, God Himself says, "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings".

There is no better way to know God than to hide His word in your heart and mind.