Leadership is not just about a title, it is about influence. In fact you can influence/lead without a title by being a subject matter expert and collaborator, allow me to use my corporate terminologies. For me the key point in empowerment is to push myself to step into areas where i might not be comfortable (beyond comfort zone). For example today i strongly believe that working mothers in technology like me and other areas need to recognize the importance of thinking beyond their own limitations and thereby influencing others to achieve beyond their current limits.
For instance, during some meetings, even though i may be the only working Christian mom and wife in the room, I focus only on the on the value of my own contributions and how I can impart what i know on others, not the perceptions or biased they may have towards me. No, i wont bow down to compromise on my faith just to be accepted! No wonder they listen when i speak.
It goes back to knowing yourself and knowing your subject, which all empower you to promote yourself as a subject matter expert. This is what you will be known for, not merely fighting people and trampling on them with your leadership position/title.
Take this same concept to the church, (at large) today where instead of building others up and influencing their lives with our knowledge and godly attitude we are busy fighting and assassinating their characters in order to secure our positions. If care is not taken it’s no longer God’s business but that of the flesh inspired by Satan. No wonder they no longer listen to you. Read the story of a King who did this same atrocity but got punishment for it in 2Chronicles 21. His name is Jehoram who was the son of King Jehoshaphat.
He inherited this kingship by his virtue of being the first son. To secure his position he killed all his brothers, forgetting the God who paved the way for him.
Friend, where are we oppressing others because we want to secure our leadership positions? You may not kill physically but what about the words and behaviors towards others? Are we concerned about how to influence instead of pulling down? Please ask God to forgive you if you have neglected others or unknowingly oppress with titles.
He will have mercy and grant you the wisdom to focus on what’s more important in building up others instead of pulling them down. Amen!
I’m praying for you,
Prov. 14:31 “he that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.”
Prov. 12:26 “the righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.”
Prov. 27:17 “iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”
Eccl. 4:9-10 “two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.” – By Danjuma Iliya.
