Romans 12:8c: The One Who Leads, With Zeal

Romans 12:8
[8] the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (ESV)

Today we look at this idea of leadership. Paul says that the one who leads should lead with zeal. Have you ever felt inclined to follow someone who is unsure of where they are going and are not sure what they are going to do whenever they get there? I imagine not. Leadership is the very thing that requires confidence if we plan on having anyone follow us.

The word in the New Testament that Paul is using for "leading" is often used in the illustration of guiding a ship. I want to dwell on that imagery for just a bit. Consider that a leader might be the one at the helm. But there are many other leaders who are with him. Every person on a ship has a part in making the ship get to it's proper destination.

If you are the primary leader of anything it is imperative that you consider the other leaders around you. A good question for every leader would be, "How do you feel if someone else is doing your job?" There are many leaders who are very insecure about their leadership. They cannot deal with the idea of someone taking the wheel from them. This is not good leadership.

A good leader leads with confidence. He is not worried about others taking the wheel. Rather, he is doing everything that he can to give the wheel over to someone else. If you are leading you can view the other leaders around you as competition, or you can empower them to do the same things that you are doing. Good leaders are confident. They raise others up to their level and applaud their progress.

Are you leading in some capacity? Be confident. Be zealous. Do not be intimidated by others. Raise up those around you. Everybody will be better off with more qualified leaders.

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