Leaders! Lead – with diligence!

“…he who leads, with diligence…” Romans 12:8

Every definition of “diligence” has to do with a person being steady, persistent toward a goal, constant effort to accomplish what was undertaken to do, not quitting once starting something and completing it, not being lazy, being thorough, and not being idle. This describes the person who leads with diligence. A leader who leads brings vision, clarity and direction to any organization. Pastors are called by God to bring the same thing with diligence seeking God for every step that is made.

One of my students, studying to be a pastor, showed understanding of this concept when he remarked, “I was really challenged by the idea that God is only going to bless what He wants to accomplish. Our leadership (as pastors) is not about what we want to do, no matter how noble, but being empowered to do what He wants us to do.” Christ gives the gift of leadership to those whom He chose to lead His Church. As such we represent Christ in our leadership and His character. As we exercise this gift we do so in His power and ability so that His church does what He wants to do and accomplish. To do this we, as leaders, are to stay in tune with Him through prayer, listening to the Holy Spirit and then operating accordingly. When we do it with diligence we don’t quit until it is accomplished according to His will.

Endowed with the gift of leadership, pastors are empowered to lead. We are not to sit idly by on the sidelines taking direction for those without this gift but to exercise this gift and lead. We, as pastors, are to find out where God wants us to lead “His People”, seeking His direction and then lead them to that place. As pastors our job, as those gifted by God to lead, is to do exactly what the Spirit has instructed us to do, whether it makes sense to us or not. In this way we always lead His church as He desires.

Leadership involves leading with purpose. Leading with purpose involves dealing with that which hinders – obstacles and problems. God’s gift of leadership enables us to overcome the obstacles and gives us solutions to the problems we encounter. Be encouraged, pastors, be the leader God desires and gifts you to be.

So, pastors, be leaders and lead! Lead with diligence, humility and obedience! Lead, empowering and encouraging “God’s people” in Christ’s Church to follow the purposes of God for His Glory. As God told Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)