Relationships: Power/Influence

READ MATTHEW 20:20-28

Jesus' disciples could smell it in the air. The Master had been talking about his departure, and that meant that their own time to rule was imminent. The disciples were unclear about Jesus' role in all of this, because he was continually confusing them (or so they thought) with parables about his impending death and resurrection. While they had difficulty interpreting Jesus' words, they understood one thing clearly: As Jesus' apostles, they possessed power and authority.

The Bible records several incidents in which the disciples argued over who would possess the highest degree of power. This was clearly an issue about which these men were concerned, and this concern extended beyond themselves to their families. In this passage, the mother of James and John blatantly requested that her sons be granted the most prominent and powerful positions in Jesus' kingdom.

As we read in last week's passages, power is essential to leadership. The ability it affords an individual to influence others can be an enormous force for good. But many, like Jesus' disciples at this point in their leadership development, focus on the self-serving aspects of power. To these disciples power implied opportunity for importance. They allowed their minds to envision thrones and positions and titles. But Jesus' rebuke was stern: "None of that! Not in my kingdom."

The starting point toward responsible exercise of power is asking the fundamental question, "Why do I want it?" Many who address that question struggle with the temptation to give all the wrong answers. Some leaders expend their lives in a constant struggle to compete against and dominate others in their quest to acquire, and then defend, their positions of power. But Jesus implied that there is only one correct answer to this question: "I want power and influence because with it I can better serve God, people and this organization." Anything less than that response violates God's trust in you as one who has been granted power.

Power/Influence and Who God Is

Matthew 20 contains too much material to absorb in a single reading. Jesus made such a definitive and helpful statement regarding power that we would do ourselves a disservice by leaving this passage at this point. A few questions will help us to discover some essential ideas about this complicated-and potentially either helpful or destructive thing called power.

Power/Influence and Who I Am

Exercising power involves knowing when and how to take risks-that's no secret. But how effective are you at encouraging others to take risks? That's also a key part of transformational leadership-giving your followers the courage to step "out of the box" and rewarding their best efforts, even if they fail to produce the intended result. Sheila Murray Bethel gives us insight into this important principle. Turn to John 20:19-31.

Power/Influence and How It Works

Jesus took a risk in Thomas. Then Jesus asked Thomas to accept great risk for him, a challenge that Thomas accepted and acted upon until his death. Now that's leadership that's worth a second look!

Power/Influence and What I Do

Power ultimately belongs to God. Knowing this, Obadiah and the other prophets railed against its improper use. But in Obadiah 8-14 we encounter a high and noble use of power. As a leader, think about ways in which you can use your power in an exalted and benevolent way. Read these verses again with this focus in mind.

This Week's Verse to Memorize LUKE 9:48

Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all-he is the greatest."

Personal Development: Values (Week 2)

READ PSALM 119:1-32

Values drive behavior; a person will pursue what that person loves. Jesus said it best: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). Values run far deeper and are far more important to a leader's effectiveness than any other single factor. One way we can discern what our own personal values are and should be is by listening to what others feel is most important-what really matters, what godly leaders should be committed to. For a helpful look at one great and godly man's values, "listen" to the words he's written as you read them. In Psalm 119:1-32, David, the man who pursued God with his whole heart, opens his values closet and lets us look inside.

First, notice what David values morally (vv. 1-4). As you read verses 1-32, notice the frequent reference to God's revealed moral will through terms such as word, law, statues, precepts and the like. These manifestations of God's revealed will formed David's value base. How, then, does a person form values that lead to sound moral leadership? Sample verses 11, 15 and 16 and discover David's "valueshaping" process.

The bottom line is that David's deepest value was to honor and please God. Because doing so required that David discover what God finds pleasing and what honors him, David valued God's Word. As a leader, face into the essential role your core values play in your personal, family, social and professional life. Contemplate this statement by one of history's all-time greatleaders and ask yourself, "Are the values David chose appropriate for me?" If your answer to that question is yes, then pursue the value-molding process he summarized in verse 11. That one verse says more than many volumes can say about the foundation of godly values.

Values and Who God Is

Values drive actions. God is so aware of our hearts' values that he rejects right behavior performed for the wrong reason. To see how much stake God puts in right values, read his unusual commentary on Israel's religious practices. Isaiah recorded the words in Isaiah 1:10-13.

Values and Who I Am

It's crucial for a leader to act on core values, not convenient ones. Jonah provides us with an example of what we're to avoid. His actions in the face of God's direct call sound a stern warning to leaders today who know what's right, but do what's wrong. Turn to Jonah 4:1-11 for today's reading.

Values and How They Work

Values talk easy but sometimes live hard. Lamentations 3:19-26 provides a terrific picture of a leader guided by values. Read it along with the character profile of the prophet Jeremiah for some keen insights on how tough, but also how rewarding, it can be to live without compromising firmly held values.

Values and What I Do

David's statements in Psalm 103:1-22 provide an appropriate summary to our two-week study on values. As you read through this amazing psalm, let the words invade your consciousness, energize your imagination and captivate your conscience.

This Week's Verse to Memorize:  PHILIPPIANS 3:7-8

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."

Personal Development: Values (Week 1)

READ PSALM 15:1-5

Values are uncompromisable, undebatable truths that drive and direct behavior. They are motivational-they give us reasons why we do things; and they are restrictive-they place boundaries around behavior. Leadership literature is paying increased attention to the importance of consistent values to a leader's effectiveness over the long haul.

King David demonstrated value-driven behavior in Psalm 15. Notice that he said the person who enjoys the presence of God and lives a blameless life is the one who "speaks the truth from his heart" (vv. 1-2). Because this person values truth in his heart, his words express truth. Because he values kindness, he "does his neighbor no wrong" (v. 3). Because he values honesty, he "keeps his oath even when it hurts" (v. 4). Because he values justice, he "does not accept a bribe against the innocent" (v. 5).

Leaders who are value driven reap a great benefit from the Lord. David said they "will never be shaken." Regardless of what may happen around them, they can live with full confidence that the right principles have shaped their values and have guided their decisions. That confidence will give them emotional and spiritual stability. It will enable them to be leaders whom God can use for his glory.

As you reflect on this psalm, consider what values drove the psalmist's behavior. As you examine your own life, what values do you see as driving your behavior? What values would you like to have drive your behavior? Make it your goal, as you begin this two-week study on values, to more completely integrate godly values into your professional and personal life.

Values and Who God Is

God is accountable to no one, and there is no higher principle to which he must conform. He himself is the absolute of truth, beauty, goodness, love and justice. His perfect character is the essence of what the Bible calls "righteousness." In a universe without God, what we call "good" would have no ultimate referent. Turn to Habakkuk 1:13 for a view of this prophet's struggle with God's goodness.

Values and Who I Am

If we look to the world for our moral values, we will be confused by self-interest, social conditioning and situational ethics. The values of our culture are shallow and subjective, but the moral standards of Scripture reflect God's absolute and unchanging character. Turn to Exodus 20:1-17 for the clearest summary of God's values for his people.

Values and How They Work

Values are interesting to discuss in the abstract, but sometimes "values" get in the way of valuable decisions. Maintaining one's values can cost a leader dearly. So how do we decide what matters most when we're weighing the bottom-line costs against our bottom-line convictions? Jesus teaches us how in Matthew 6:19-21. Read it carefully-it is extremely valuable advice.

Values and What I Do

The Apostle Paul possessed tremendous resolve because he was able to link his desires with his values. Hackman and Johnson, in their book Leadership, provide us with guidance that will help us identify our values and then translate them into a compelling vision.

This Week's Verse to Memorize LUKE 12:32-34

"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."