Commitment: An Effective Tool In Leadership

COMMITMENT: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL IN LEADERSHIP

Study Text: Acts 20: 17 - 24

Introduction:

- Paul demonstrates for us that commitment is a key ingredient in successful Christian leadership. He was very sharply focused, was driven by a clear sense of purpose, both in life and ministry, pursued his goal with perseverance, and finished his race.

- Commitment is taking that first step forward and then pushing through the obstacles and stretching our limits to make our passion and vision a reality.

- It is an action that moves us forward again and again and again because we are sold out and all in for the cause.

- Small steps forward will deepen our conviction and lead to a stronger commitment, but it has to start somewhere. Commitment always has that first tangible step that comes from a decision made in our hearts.

- Commitment in sports isn’t thinking about going out to practice – it is getting out the door and doing it.

- Commitment in marriage isn’t saying you will forgive one another – it is forgiving and working through the challenges that come up every day.

- Commitment to Jesus isn’t believing he is our Saviour and Lord – it is living according to the teachings and example of Jesus as our Saviour and Lord.

- Commitment takes the first step forward, but it doesn’t end with the first step; it takes more steps because we are convinced that we are doing what needs to be done.

- Gideon was a very ordinary man when God called him and yet look at how the angel of God addresses him –Judges 6:12. Mighty Warrior – Gideon was hiding in a winepress and yet God sees him as a Mighty Warrior.

- Many times God sees more in us than we ever see in ourselves. God sees the leaders that we already are and if we are willing to commit to that and step out in faith to live into that reality – we will become all God sees in us.

- We must learn to be committed to God, to a cause, to our family, to our job, to what is right by taking small steps forward and never looking back.

- Commitment is important for leaders because we won’t follow people who aren’t committed. If we don’t see our leader 100% committed to the cause, we won’t follow them.

- God can nurture and strengthen our commitments if we will take the small steps forward and then keep on going and as we do, others will be drawn to our side willing to work with us.

- We shall consider the topic under three sub-headings:

1. The Direction of Commitment

2. The Degree of Commitment

3. The Demonstration of Commitment

1. The Direction of Commitment

- What we are committed to? What are those things that we are willing to die for? What and who will we give everything for?

- What are things we simply won’t stop doing and giving ourselves to? The reality is that we are all committed to something and it is important to make sure we are committed to the right things. Let us identify some areas of commitments in our lives.

i. Commitment to maintain integrity

- “Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him” (2 Peter 3:14).

- Integrity is “the quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty, and sincerity.” In the world today, ‘integrity’ is not valued as the most important thing in life and business.

- God knows we are not perfect, but desires that we strive towards perfection everyday. To be spotless and blameless means to live with integrity.

- How do you maintain integrity? You need to be transparent. A person of integrity is not claiming to have it all together in every area. On the contrary, the person of integrity is willing to be open about their strengths and weaknesses.

- Having integrity also means living what you say you believe. You model what you teach. And you tell the truth, even when it’s tough.

- All leadership is built on trust. And trust comes from having the reputation for living out what you believe and for telling the truth. As a pastor and leader, people must trust you.

- Will you make a commitment to lead with integrity? Will you be honest about both your strengths and weaknesses? Will you commit to living your sermons out every week? Will you tell the truth to those you lead even when it’s tough?

ii. Commitment to forgive those who hurt you.

- “Make every effort to live in peace with all men. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up” (Hebrews 12:14-15).