Leadership: The Only Thing That Counts

Galatians 5:6. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

This is a good time to press pause. We have been talking about how a good leader starts by following Jesus. The he or she develops a vision, goals and strategies. These are imperative for moving a group of people forward successfully. Defining where we are going, creating tangible indicators of progress, and establishing how to get there are all indispensable. But there is much more.

As Christian leaders, all that we do and how we do it must be rooted in love. If we are followers of Jesus, the scripture above makes it clear that our faith must manifest itself in loving others. This is not a suggestion – it is the only thing that counts, the only thing that has value. 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that all manner of wisdom and talents and works are worthless without love.

So check yourself here. In developing a vision, goals and strategies, are you motivated by love? Is your heart’s desire to help people just for their sake? Can you put your self-interest aside and others’ interests first? Later we will also talk about how you love those whom you lead.