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.
