‘Leadership is influence,’ writes John C. Maxwell, whose organizations have trained more than 1 million leaders worldwide. He points out that, according to sociologists, even the most isolated individual will influence 10,000 other people during his or her lifetime! In one sense there is only one leader. In our New Testament reading today, Jesus says, ‘There is only one Life-Leader for you... Christ’ (Matthew 23:10, MSG). On the other hand, every Christian is called to be a leader in the sense that other people will look to you as an example. You have influence over others in different ways. To be called by God to influence others is an enormous privilege, but it carries with it great responsibility.
Psalm 18:25-36 Confidence David was a leader who had confidence. However, it was not self-confidence but confidence in God: ‘With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall’ (v.29). David recognized that he needed God for: 1. Protection - ‘He is a shield for all who take refuge in him’ (v.30b). ‘You protect me with salvation-armor’ (v.35, MSG). 2. Strength - ‘It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights’ (vv.32–33). 3. Training - ‘He trains my hands for battle’ (v.34a). It was as I was reading this verse back in 1992, that I realized the need to train our small group hosts and helpers before each Alpha began. 4. Guidance - ‘You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light’ (v.28). ‘As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is flawless’ (v.30). Lord, I need your help. I pray for your protection, strength and guidance. Lead me in your perfect way.
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