Gifts of God’s Varied Grace
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6-8
When we think of leaders, we may immediately conjure up images of the fiery coach, the stern general, or the tough CEO. Maybe such an idea of leadership also led Moses to be reluctant to accept his role as leader of the children of Israel. When we consider whether we have the gift of leadership, we should look to the Bible rather than models from our culture.
While servant leadership has become more popular lately in the secular world, we recognize that this concept of leadership is not new at all but is embodied in Christ and described throughout the Bible. What greater example of serving others can there be than Jesus? The Son of God became a lowly human; He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8) As leader of the disciples, He also acted with humility (even washing their feet) and always for their best interest.
In his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul also outlines qualities for leaders in the church. (I Timothy 3:2-12; Titus 1:6-9) In looking at these characteristics, we might be intimidated because we are not at all “blameless” (I Titus 6:9), nor do we daily fulfill all the requirements for these positions. The most important qualification, though, is “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught” (Titus 1:9) God doesn’t ask for perfect leaders, but for those who lead “with diligence” and faith.
Lord, teach all those who serve in church leadership to cling to the Word of God, which provides direction for their leadership and the promise of forgiveness for when they fail. Amen.