Is your influence growing? (85-1)
Every leader will serve as an example to those in their sphere of influence. Review 1 Samuel 1-8 and focus on 4:1 and 3:19-20.
Samuel’s influence just kept growing. Samuel, under God’s leadership and with His authority, had the authority to anoint two kings and remove one from power. Samuel’s example to the people was that he exhorted, he affirmed, he corrected, he prophesied, he reminded and he taught. His life-long example had such tremendous impact that when he died all Israel gathered to mourn his loss (25:1).
Some “verbal images” of Samuel’s example are:
- The Bible loves to describe God’s leaders as shepherds. A shepherding leader will know, love, protect and lead those on their team. Think a relational leader. A relational leader can be tough or tender because they have developed relationship. A team will listen to a shepherding leader because of relationship.
- The Bible paints the picture of a steward as someone that acts on behalf of an owner, overseeing others and managing possessions. Samuel did not act out of a personal agenda but was a steward of God’s agenda. When we think of a stewarding leader we think responsibility. A stewarding leader will remain faithful to their calling, accountable to God, and responsible to people.
- The Bible paints the picture of leaders as visionaries. Samuel brought the Word of God to bear on contemporary issues. Think revelation from God. Leaders must possess a vision and communicate direction to their team. A godly leader should seek divine revelation concerning conviction about lessons from the past, present situations, and future direction. People respond to vision.
- The Bible paints the picture of effective leaders as servants. The key word for a servant leader is rights. Samuel constantly gave up his rights instead of demanding a right to reach the “top.” Servant leaders are not motivated by power but by serving their team. Their team responds because of a servant’s heart.
If your team were to describe you as a leader would they use one of these four words? If not, identify what word you think your team might use. Would it be positive or negative for a godly leader?
