Leading Yourself Well Is The Key To Leading Others Successfully

TODAY’S READING: Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 9 -11

SCRIPTURE: 1 CORINTHIANS 11:31-32

 “But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.  When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.”

OBSERVATION:

I recently heard the statement “Most leaders who fail, do so because they fail to lead themselves well.”  They can build teams, organize around principles, motivate, etc., but lack the personal discipline to sustain their position and influence.  I think that is what Paul is getting at here.  If we examine our hearts with humility, then others don’t feel the need examine our hearts and put us in our place.  If we work on ourselves, then others don’t feel the need to “fix” us.  If I let God judge my heart then the world has no seat of judgement in my life.

APPLICATION:

I need take time regularly to take inventory of my heart and my behavior.  In these times I need invite the Lord in to judge my life  - not as a matter of heaven and hell, but as a matter of receiving the fullness of the life life offered in Christ or settling for a diminished version Christianity.   This is done thru my devotion times with God, which is why these SOAP times are so important.  I need to lead people and live with people with a deep understanding that I am a work in progress, and my first priority of leadership, my primary focus of leadership has to be on myself.  Then walk in humility as I lead in the roles that I have been given - as husband, as dad, as pastor, as friend, as a citizen...

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for your goodness to me.  Thank you that you love so much that you would involve yourself so closely and intimately.  That as a Father, you would take the time to bring discipline and correction into my life.  I want to always give you room i my life to do that.  I want to be an obedient son who desires the wisdom and correction from his Dad.  You’ve always been good to me, help me to keep trusting myself to you.  In Jesus Name - AMEN!