Upheld in Leadership

It’s the fire hose syndrome.

I was privileged to attend the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit at the end of last week. I have no idea how to summarize what resonated with me the most. Uh…everything?

We heard stories of transformation from Angola Prison in the USA; Uganda whose population is experiencing forgiveness; Walgreens who took Tom’s Shoes model and is providing immunizations for children in need with every shot that is purchased at their stores; Colorado Community Church whose families are adopting children and providing homes; and a business that forgave a huge debt from another business and God blessed both businesses. Leadership—put before God and asking for His vision—at work.

Wonderful speakers from around the world gave us great nuggets of wisdom. This is knowledge that we can all use in just about every sphere of life. Leadership is about serving, after all. And how can one serve without putting the best interests of other first?

If you want your family to succeed – put the other members of your family first. If you want a team to thrive under your leadership at your place of employment – put your workers first. Listen to their ideas. Honor them. They know their jobs.

Leadership: A Concept Given by God

Hmm…it seems we’ve heard this concept before. I think I have to call it the Jesus Principle. He taught us to put others first. He gave us two commandments that embody all the others: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself.

Is it a surprise that leadership works this way?

“Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hand all the Law and the Prophets’ “ Matthew 22:37-40.