“The final estimate of men shows that history cares not an iota for the rank or title a man has borne, or the office he has held, but only the quality of his deeds and the character of his mind and heart.” (“Spiritual Leadership” p. 15)
Leadership has been a constant topic throughout my walk on the World Race and I am continually learning from it. This quote above is a great reminder that your character rather than your title defines you.
I never originally addressed this in my blog, but AIM does a great job at challenging racers to step into various roles like logistics, treasurers, leaders, etc. At the end of training camp, I was asked to be a leader of my team of seven: The Sweet Somethings.
Leading my team these past three months has been such a growing experience and I have learned so much from my incredible teammates! Last summer in my internship with LifeWay they required that we read the book “Spiritual Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders. It is an absolutely incredible book over being a leader in Christ. It really has helped me through my leadership roles and continues to help me. I definitely suggest reading it regardless if you have a leadership title or not, for we are all leaders in Christ throughout this world. One of the lessons that has really stuck with me is the fact that we as humans should NEVER desire leadership for it comes with many struggles and if and only if God desires for you to lead shall your heart desire it as well.
I decided to write a blog over leadership with the new turn of events that has occurred in my life on the World Race. Due to various events that have occurred within ouR Squad, the raising of Squad Leaders needed to happen sooner than usual and I was asked to be one of the four.
I’m sure many of you are curious what Squad Leading even means. Well to be honest, I am still in the process of learning what all this role means, but essentially it means that we will be the leaders of ouR Squad. It is defined in a past squad leader’s blog as someone who “Believes in the squad, fights for the squad and serves them in any way possible”.
There are many ways you can go about leading, but the Bible makes it pretty clear how we as Christians are supposed to lead by giving us the ultimate example of a leader, Jesus Christ. He was selfless, loving and humble. This quote from “Spiritual Leadership” does a wonderful job at embodying Christian leadership.
“True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you. True service is never without cost.” (“Spiritual Leadership” p.15)
When I signed up for the race I had no clue there was even the possibility of being a leader of a team, much less an entire squad. Something God has been doing throughout this race that has truly blown me away, is speaking so clearly to me not only with what He wants, but also the reasons why. This has also been a great reminder that God owes us NO explanations or reasons for things in our lives and what we owe Him is COMPLETE trust regardless. So as I take on this new role and challenge, I give The Lord my complete trust and I will keep my eyes fixated on Him with every step I make. Below is my new team of Squad Leaders! The quote is my prayer for how we approach leading ouR Squad and we would greatly appreciate your prayers in agreement as we take on this new community and adventure!
“To be filled with the Spirit is to be controlled by the Spirit. The Christian leader’s mind, emotions, will and physical strength all become available for the Spirit to guide and use. Under the Spirit’s control, natural gifts of leadership are lifted to their highest power, sanctified for holy purpose. Through the work of the now ungrieved and unhindered Spirit, all the fruits of the Spirit start to grow in the leader’s life. His witness is more winsome, service more steady, and testimony more powerful. All real Christian service is but the expression of the Spirit’s power through believers yielded to Him.” (“Spiritual Leadership p. 82)
