Wednesday, May 9, 2012

May 10, 2012

"After leaving Succoth they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people."  Exodus 13:20-22

A really good leader is led as he leads!

He follows God, but he also points his people to the pillar.

Moses was guided by the pillar as he led God's people out of slavery into the Land of Promise. No one knows how the pillar appeared but everyone knows that it was the manifestation of God's presence guiding and guarding His people. Not only did Moses and the Israelites see the cloud and the pillar, so did all of their enemies!

What an amazing image of godly leadership! A leader standing between God and the people of God following Him and leading them while pointing them to Him at all times!

That is what good leaders do. In addition to following God, not panicking, inspiring hope, a good leader points to the pillar.

"But, Brad," you ask, "What is the pillar for leaders today?"

I'm glad you asked!

The pillar for leaders to point their people to is still God's presence. But God doesn't show up in a cloud these days or in a fire that is visible. So, what do you point them to?

My answer as a long time leader is, "Point them to the presence of God's Spirit." The Spirit shows up when there is surrender to His will. The Spirit shows up when the Scriptures are read, taught, or preached. And the Spirit shows up when His people serve Him.

I also believe another pillar is the principles of God's Word. Principles are timeless truths from God's Word that guide leader's decisions and priorities and activities. Jesus declared He is "the Way, the Truth and the Life"! So where you have truth you have Jesus!

A third pillar is sincere praise. God dwells in the midst of praise from His people. Where praise is happening, Jesus is habitating! He is there to bless and to strengthen His people.

Are you wanting to be a good leader?

Are you looking for a good leader?

Point people to the pillars of God's presence, His principles and His praise!

When looking for a leader, look one for who looks to the pillars.