"The Most Difficult Challenges Of Leadership"

“THE MOST DIFFICULT CHALLENGES OF LEADERSHIP”

(The Leader’s Challenges)

2 SAMUEL 8:1-18

The challenge chapter! This entire chapter is to show us that the transition from laymen to leader is no easy venture. While all of the specifics of his experiences are not recorded, the point that is being made is that he had to face a great deal in his position as a leader. In addition, these challlenging experiences of leadership cannot be confined to one chapter in life.

Let’s consider the internal war he was struggling with. People want position but they don’t want the headaches of the responsibility.

What are the four most difficult challenges of leadership?

I. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

The educator takes something simply and makes it difficult.

The communicator takes something difficult and makes it simple.

What is it that every leader needs to effectively communicate

A. The vision of God (The will of God)

B. The means for the journey (Strength found in Jesus)

C. The Strategy to implement (The plan or process to follow that leads to success)

D. The motivation for serving (worth value of the journey)

II. PERSONAL CRITICISM (it will make us bitter or better)

What do I need to know or do in order for it to make me better and not bitter?

A. Realize all good leaders receive it.

Faultfinding “against Christ”

(Mt 9:11, 11:19, 12:2 15:2; Mr 2:7,16 7:2; Luke 15:2 19:7; John 6:41, 8:48)

21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: ( I Peter 2:21-23)

B. Consider its origin (Is this person’s reputation consistent with this?)

C. Is this criticism warranted? If so, make the appropriate change

D. Don’t just see the critic but keep your focus on the Lord and the crowd

III. DIVISIVE CONFLICT

There was a man who kept getting slapped across the chest by a bully. So his solution for handling the problem was to strap a bomb across his chest and he said, “the next time he slaps me across the chest I am going to blow his hand off.”

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. (Proverbs 16:32)

He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. (Proverbs 14:29)

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. (Proverbs 15:18)

A. Prayer (God can and will do more than you are willing to believe)

B. Counsel (Ask others and compile your information)

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)

Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established. (Proverbs 15:22)

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. (Proverbs 19:20)

C. Attitude (Are you vindictive over the matter or genuinely concerned)

D. Reconciliation (Seek to bring about peace)

E. Confrontation (The problem, not the person)

F. Progress (Get things back on track)

G. Forget (Once it’s over forget it)

IV. CONSISTENT COMMITMENT

A. Personal growth

B. Continued progress

C. Discipling others