July 23
Leading Others to Truth
You put the lamp on a lamp stand … You people who can hear me, listen!
Mark 4:21, 23 (NCV)
The best leaders I’ve known had one thing in common. They were all good listeners. Whether they were generals trying to accomplish a mission, or small group leaders building a tight-knit group of growing believers, or the dad next door helping his kids to understand the hows and whys of life, they all listened well.
Effective leadership involves: listening … and responding … and caring. Leading others to Christ involves the same ability. To have an effective witness, be a good listener. But this isn't necessarily the model I grew up with.
When I was a shy, introverted young man, the scariest words I heard were, “Let’s go witnessing!” I remember that sinking feeling when we would load up cars and vans and head for the nearby shopping mall, or go door-to-door in the neighborhood. To me it was the ultimate adrenaline rush. But you know, I think we did a whole lot more talking than listening. I sure don’t remember “leading” anybody to the Lord that way. While this technique may be good for planting spiritual seeds and reaching some people with the Good News, I think the old adage is true: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
As believers, we are His witnesses--whether we like it or not. To be effective witnesses, we lead others to the truth. Certainly we will open our mouths and share the great and wonderful truth of Jesus Christ who died for us all that He might give us it all, but we lead by listening, by responding in love, by genuinely caring.
Jesus wants us to be leaders, maybe not CEOs or boardroom directors, but compassionate, helpful, proactive people--His bold witnesses to a world in need. We start by listening.
Lord, take me out of my comfort zone for Your glory. Show me needs I can meet. Help me lead others to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Leading Others to Truth
You put the lamp on a lamp stand … You people who can hear me, listen!
Mark 4:21, 23 (NCV)
The best leaders I’ve known had one thing in common. They were all good listeners. Whether they were generals trying to accomplish a mission, or small group leaders building a tight-knit group of growing believers, or the dad next door helping his kids to understand the hows and whys of life, they all listened well.
Effective leadership involves: listening … and responding … and caring. Leading others to Christ involves the same ability. To have an effective witness, be a good listener. But this isn't necessarily the model I grew up with.
When I was a shy, introverted young man, the scariest words I heard were, “Let’s go witnessing!” I remember that sinking feeling when we would load up cars and vans and head for the nearby shopping mall, or go door-to-door in the neighborhood. To me it was the ultimate adrenaline rush. But you know, I think we did a whole lot more talking than listening. I sure don’t remember “leading” anybody to the Lord that way. While this technique may be good for planting spiritual seeds and reaching some people with the Good News, I think the old adage is true: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
As believers, we are His witnesses--whether we like it or not. To be effective witnesses, we lead others to the truth. Certainly we will open our mouths and share the great and wonderful truth of Jesus Christ who died for us all that He might give us it all, but we lead by listening, by responding in love, by genuinely caring.
Jesus wants us to be leaders, maybe not CEOs or boardroom directors, but compassionate, helpful, proactive people--His bold witnesses to a world in need. We start by listening.
Lord, take me out of my comfort zone for Your glory. Show me needs I can meet. Help me lead others to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 8:06 PM
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