The Leader in You Pt.1 Text: Philippians 2:1-9
The Cowboy Boots
Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots? He asked for help and she could see why. Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet.. He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.' She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My mom made me wear 'em. Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again. Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?' He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots. She will be eligible for parole in three years!
1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
God has privileged us in Christ Jesus to live above the ordinary human plane of life. Those who want to be ordinary and live on a lower plane are being robbed from God’s best. Stephen, was an ordinary man who became extraordinary under the Holy Spirit’s anointing. Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
However, remember, Before that, Stephen was faithful as he waited on tables.
FIrst things first, before you can become an effective leader you must be born again, Trusting Christ through every decision.
Say, Sell out, Romans 6:11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Leadership is humility. Phil. 2:3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Leadership is the ability to be taught. ( Only those who were willing to be taught by Jesus grew Spiritually.) Those who listened, authored God’s word. Such as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Leaders make themselves available. Phil. 2:4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You have the potential to lead. (If you really love Jesus Christ you are a majority.)
Over 20 years ago, I knew nothing, (I had a hunger) and I was willing. Say, “willingness opens doors.”
Leaders don’t give up. Walt Disney request for a loan was rejected by 301 banks before he finally got a “yes.”
In the book of Ruth. Naomi’s husband dies and then her two sons. Naomi is left with her two daughter in laws- Orpah and Ruth. Naomi hears of prosperity in Bethlehem, so she leaves Moab, and begs Orpah and Ruth to leave her and find themselves new husbands. Orpah decides to leave, but Ruth says in Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
One righteous, humble, mighty decision will explode the leader in you!
Growth is gradual. II Corinthians 3:18 TM Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.
Attitude is everything.
Phil. 2: 5-9 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names,
Life isn’t about you. By Jesus’ decision Jesus proved His life was all about others.
So what are you living for? Having a servants mindset. Going the extra mile to help others.
