The Art of Leadership
The day of accountability is a constant thought on the minds of everyone who has a sense of responsibility. Such a person is always thinking of the day of reckoning. The psalmist puts it well: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalms 90:12).
Questions Every Leader Must Prepare For
- How much work have you done? If you are a pastor, you will always have in mind: How many people did I win to Christ? How many churches did I build? How many crusades did I hold? How many times did I preach the gospel? If you are a President: How many of my promises have I fulfilled? If you are a corporate CEO: How many of our set targets have we attained?
And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, we will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know HOW MUCH EVERY MAN HAD GAINED BY TRADING.
Luke 19:13-15
- What type of work have you done? What sort of fruit did you bear? Did you bring forth songs or sermons? Did you raise souls or money? Did you build churches or did you turn them down? Did you make your organisation profitable? Did you develop structures in your country? Did you move your country from an under-developed status to a developing status?
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of WHAT SORT IT IS.
1 Corinthians 3:13
- What secret or hidden things have you done? Do you have good secrets or bad secrets? Have you hidden evil away from the view of others? The hidden parts of you are things like your marriage, your moral life, your financial life. Have you done good works in secret? Are the hidden aspects of your life good news or bad news? These questions will guide your thoughts and actions.
Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the tie, but wait until the lord comes WHO WILL BOTH BRING TO LIGHT THE THINGS HIDDEN in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5 (NASB)
- What have been your motives?
What is the reason for the things you have done? What are the reasons for the sermons you preached? Were you motivated by fame or were you motivated by your love for God? Were you motivated by hatred for particular people to write or enforce particular laws? What were your real reasons for transferring particular departmental heads? What was your real motive when you engineered that maverick be laid off? Did you feel threatened by her? Search your heart so that you are sure about your motivations.
Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the tie, but wait until the lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose THE MOTIVES OF MEN’S HEARTS; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 (NASB)
Every leader will give account for what he or she is doing. Are you ready to account to God for the sheep he gave you? Jesus kept on saying that he had lost none of the sheep God had given him except the son of perdition. Paul kept saying that he would have to give account. These were leaders who were constantly thinking about the day of accountability.
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17
Leadership is a great responsibility. If you are constantly reminded that you will account for your leadership, you will become a better leader. Always remember that the day of accountability is coming. This will make you do the right thing. I am constantly aware that I will have to account to God for my ministry. I know that I will have to account for the members in my churches. This is why I make great efforts to look after them.
Are you a leader? Are you constantly thinking of your day of accountability? Please do! It is the key to the greatest inner motivation.
theaol@ymail.com
By Dag Heward-Mills