By Rich Peterson, Church Relations/Western Region
Trustworthy Leaders are hard on themselves and gracious to others.
The trustworthy leader is going to be a self-disciplined, hard-working person. Leaders who set the bar extremely high for themselves, do not run aimlessly, do not box as one beating the air. Trustworthy leaders discipline themselves, keeping their bodies and hearts fit and under control, lest after preaching to others they themselves should be disqualified.
Trustworthy leaders are hard on themselves yet gracious to others. Lots of people these days reverse this order, and they are gracious to themselves and hard on everyone else.
The trustworthy leader is going to be a slave to others and never enslaved to his or her own passions or bodily appetites.
Trustworthy Leaders will make their own bodies their slave and themselves slaves to everyone.
Paul says, I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some (22b). This doesn’t mean that he is hypocritical or uncomfortable in his own skin or not capable of being himself. Nor does it mean he changes the message of the gospel to suit the audience. Rather his passion was to preach the gospel, and his purpose was to win as many as possible!
Paul worked hard at entering the lives of other people and sought to see things from their point of view. Paul sought never to create additional barriers to the gospel.
The trustworthy leader is as Gordon Fee writes going to be uncompromising on matters that effect the gospel itself, but it is “that same concern for the saving power of the gospel that causes a person to become all things to all people in matters that don’t count.”
The trustworthy leader will (like Paul) give up the right to be right and adjust their gospel presentation to meet the needs of the people they are serving. The trustworthy leader will take into consideration the situational context (to the Jew, a Jew; to the Gentile, a Gentile; to the weak, weak) and become what is necessary “for the sake of the gospel.”
The trustworthy leader asks themselves two very important questions:
- How can I ensure that I’m not enslaved by my own desires?
- How can I serve everyone I encounter today?
Trustworthy Leaders follow the example of Jesus
Paul concludes his discussion of meat (1 Corinthians 8-11:1) with a strong restatement of the principles he has been stressing throughout this lengthy section of the letter.
The overriding consideration in all circumstances and in dealing with anyone, regardless of their race or religion must be to simply bring glory to God (10:31), and not to cause anyone to stumble (10:32).
“The desire to please everyone (10:33) must not be an attempt to curry favor for ourselves, but rather be done at our own expense, without regard to our own rights and privileges. We must not seek our own good but that of others, with our ultimate goal being that many may be saved (10:33), and to follow our leaders’ example as they follow the example of Christ.” (African Bible Commentary)
In other words:
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
Read part one here.
- Trustworthy Leaders listen to their people and respond appropriately.
- Trustworthy Leaders love people more than knowledge.
- Trustworthy Leaders use their influence for the good of everyone.
Social Media Challenge:
On your social media, share an answer to one of these questions. Or use the comment field below to leave a comment.
- How do self-discipline and hard work contribute to the trustworthiness of a leader?
- How can leaders ensure they maintain high standards for themselves while also fostering a supportive environment for those they lead?
- What does it mean to “become all things to all people” for the sake of the gospel?
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- #AskAMissionary – Nicolette Hutcherson