Lead With Thanks

Lead with Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

November Leadership Devotional

Do you ever find it hard to thank God that you are a leader?

Sometimes being a leader within the church is a thankless job. Sometimes it takes a great deal of time to fulfill their responsibilities. Sometimes it takes a great deal of patience. Sometimes it takes a great deal of strength.

The United States Army used to have a slogan: The toughest job you’ll ever love” I think sometimes the same is true of being a leader in the local church. Let’s face it there are times when we hear a lot more complaints than we do compliments. Part of being a leader is to set the example for others to follow.

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

There are times when it is hard to give thanks being a leader.

· Difficulties

· Disagreements

· Disappointments

· Distress

· Division

The truth is that there are three key things to remember

·Be joyful

o The joy that comes from Christ cannot be taken away form you unless you allow it

o The joy of the Lord becomes our source of strength

· Be prayerful

o God’s power moves when His people pray. I think that sometimes leaders get so busy doing things for Christ that they forget to spend some time with Christ

o If you do not have time to pray, you are too busy. Start unloading some of the responsibilities that you have taken on to spend quality time with God.

o It is impossible to be an effective leader if you let your prayer life slip. The most important relationship in a leader’s life is not with people but with Christ.

· Be thankful

o Jesus has blessed us with one another and we have the sacred opportunity to serve Him together in this church.

o Jesus has blessed you with the priviledge of being a leader in the church and He wants to use you to bless others.

o Take a few moments to think of a blessing that you have received over the last week and thank God for it as we pray.