It may be the wisdom in an idea you have or something you have concerns about. Find courage to speak up, in love and with grace, but speak up.
Is there something you need to say to someone that is in their best interest and because you care? What is holding you back?
3. Develop and Exercise His Gifts for His Purpose
We’ve all received a few gifts that we’ve never used. I once received “soap on a rope” for Father’s Day. I just don’t get how that idea ever went to market. Just exactly how is soap on a rope supposed to work?
Receiving a gift is wonderful but it needs to be the right gift for the right person. It fits who they are, it has a purpose, they love it and are grateful for it.
God has given us spiritual gifts, not randomly, but on purpose designed specifically for each of us. (Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 12:4-8; I Corinthians 12:1-31)
Spiritual gifts represent the manifestation of God’s Spirit within us. These gifts are unique abilities that imbue us with power, enabling us to fulfill the purpose that He has assigned us: to strengthen the body of Christ.
4. Embrace and Pursue Life by the Spirit
Ephesians 4:1-6 challenges us to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. A challenge that can be measured by unity over division in the church.
“Worthy” is an aspiration not always easy to live up to, and I’m ever so grateful that if I’m worthy, it’s only because of His grace and Spirit within me.
We are blessed with specific manifestations of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These nine traits radically transform our leadership. (Galatians 5:22-25)
The fruit of the Spirit is gift of God that enables us to live and lead in such a way that draws others to Christ.
Thankfully we are not left on our own to “achieve” such a life, but we are invited to remain in the vine. (John 15:9-17)
The invitation to stay closely connected to Jesus is our lifeline. It’s where we find peace, joy and a sense of meaning and value. From there we can aspire to live Jesus’ hope for us to:
- Worship God
- Listen for His voice
- Obey His commands
- Remain in His Love
This is the pathway that enables us to love and serve others in such a way that the church becomes all its intended to be.
From there we can engage God’s mission to make disciples.
5. Strengthen Mature Disciples and Grow Leaders
The purpose of God has never been a mystery.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
It’s up to us to continue to learn how to lead it better.
Evangelism and discipleship have always belonged together.
- Discipleship without evangelism is ingrown.
- Evangelism without discipleship is shallow.
Let me say it a slightly different way.
- Ingrown discipleship lacks evangelism—discipleship was never meant to be passive.
- Shallow evangelism lacks discipleship—evangelism was never meant to be the end of the process.
