HAVING THE RIGHT MOTIVE
SCRIPTURE TEXT: Romans 1:9-17
INTRODUCTION
In many ways Christian leadership is quite different from all secular forms of leadership and having the right motive is much more critical and essential. "Do you seek great things for yourself? - Don't seek them.” Jer. 45:5. If we see ourselves as the called and appointed by God who is the MASTER, then it should be the Master’s motives and not ours. Romans 1:21-22
TRUE CHRISTIAN LEADERS SEEK THESE THINGS-
a. The Glory of God. Exodus 33:18, Ephesians 1:12, Ephesians 3:21
The overwhelming desire of Moses, one of the most remarkable and outstanding leaders in the Bible, was his desire to "see God's glory." (Ex. 33:18) As Christian leaders our chief desire should be to see God exalted. We must desire to see God's Name exalted and glorified in everything we do. We should jealously guard the Name, reputation, honour, and glory of God.
b. The Well- Being of others. 2 Corinthians 11:26
Christian leaders are frequently portrayed as shepherds, with Jesus as The Good Shepherd. God's people are also depicted as lambs, or sheep, for whom we as under-shepherds, must have genuine love and concern. The Good Shepherd is said to "lay down his life for the sheep." (John 10:15,17) He is our supreme example whom we should determine to emulate. It is not to desire to have pre-eminence but "He who would be greatest, must be servant to all." (Mark 10:44)
c. The Sake of the lost. Matthew 18:10-14
That same Shepherd is pictured leaving the ninety-nine sheep which are safe in the fold and going out into the night with all its potential dangers, to seek diligently until He eventually finds and brings home that sheep which was lost. In this analogy the Good Shepherd is seen in an evangelistic role, risking his very life in order to rescue the sheep which have gone astray into the paths of sin. It is not desire to influence and control others
d. The Advancement and Growth of God's Kingdom. Matthew 6:10, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 16:19
Every Christian leader must be dedicated to the advancement, — not of himself, nor his denomination, or even his local church, — but of God's Kingdom primarily. The primary prayer which Jesus instructed His disciples to pray was "Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." We leaders are servants of that Kingdom, our main objective being the fulfilment of that prayer. It is not to achieve personal fulfilment.
CONCLUSION- All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord
