Leaders are compelled to action by opportunities to do good

Leadership is not a title. Leadership is the initiative to do good which inspires others to follow suit.

Grow in conscious awareness of opportunities to do good by De Waal Esterhuizen’s short inspirational video.

Scripture

Luke 10:30-37

30  Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31  Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32  So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33  But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34  He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35  And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’

36  Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37  He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Observation and reflection questions

Context: Jesus was asked by a Lawyer “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” to which the man answered “to love God… and your neighbor as yourself” but then he asked “So who is my neighbor…?”   The ‘Good Samaritan’ story is Jesus’ reply.  Samaritan’s were despised by Jews because of their syncretism of Mosaic Law.

1. Three people walked by a man who was beaten to death, but only one helped him.

• What rank or type of leadership do these three people hold?
• Who took initiative (or leadership) in this situation?
• Why did he take initiative (or leadership)? (verse 33)
• Why do you suppose the others did not take initiative?

1. If Jesus were to teach this story today in your church, which three characters would he use in this story to illustrate the same principle? In other words who would be a modern-day priest, Levite and Samaritan?

Personal reflection and application questions and prayer

Having a title of leadership amounts to nothing unless you take action for the betterment of others when the opportunities arise. 

1. Imagine yourself in a situation similar to the story above.  What would prevent you from taking initiative?
   • List the three biggest motives or excuses not to act.
   • Confess these to God and ask for courageous, selfless love to act when the need arises today.
2. Do the following to train yourself in selflessness and awareness of opportunities:
   • Set aside 5 minutes your busy schedule today to look around you and spot opportunities to do good to others – something simple and practical like emptying an office trash can or carrying files to the store room or making coffee for a busy co-worker who hasn’t had a lunch break.
   • So this for each day this week.  But schedule this – perhaps a reminder on your phone?
3. Notice how The Good Samaritan helped the man in need because “he saw him and had compassion on him”. Think of the circumstance and needs of the people whom you lead or those in your small group/ fellowship group. Which person’s situation moves your heart the most?  Pray for him/her, send him/her a message of encouragement and plan something practical to help.  This is leadership.

 

 

 

Leadership are compelled to actions by the conscious awareness of opportunities

One of the greatest temptations of leadership if to use your position of authority and influence to see how you could better yourself and not to people you are meant to lead and care for. 

In this short introductory session by De Waal Esterhuizen (pastor of Shofar Christian Church in Malmesbury) he shows how leaders lead with a constant awareness of the needs and opportunities that arise. (https://youtu.be/KYVmWaxl4qQ)

Scripture

Ezekiel 34:1-10

1  The word of the LORD came to me: 2  “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord GOD: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? 3  You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. 4  The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. 5  So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. 6  My sheep were scattered; they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them.”

Observation and reflection questions

Note: If time allows please read the whole of Ezekiel 34.

1. Whom were these “shepherds” against which Ezekiel prophesied?
2. List the accusations against “the shepherds of Israel”.
3. Now try to translate these metaphoric accusations back into real life. (for example “shepherds clothe themselves with the wool” (v3) could mean leaders abuse rights for own personal comfort rather than the betterment of their people)
4. Suggest one word that best sums up the leadership of Israel in the Ezekiel’s day.
5. Consider the analogy of “leader as shepherd” – what good qualities of leadership are portrayed in the nature of shepherding sheep?
6. Which of these accusations listed above are relevant of present-day politics in your country? Why do you say that?

Personal reflection and application questions

Ezekiel accused the leaders of Israel for being self-centered, looking for opportunities to better themselves at the cost of the people they were leading.  But good leaders are always looking for ways to better their people and their environment.   

1. Consider your past and present leadership (at home, at work, at church, in community, etc). a. Were there instances where you have been tempted to serve your own interests in leadership rather than the interest of those you were called to look after?
2. On which occasions have you failed when your decisions or actions served yourself at the cost of those you were called to lead?
3. Leadership implies power and authority. How could you as leader safeguard yourself and those you lead against abuse of others and self-serving? [hint: full disclosure]
4. Memorise this proverb and let it be your motto of the day “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” (Proverbs 3:27)

Prayer

Thank God for what he has entrusted to you, and commit yourself to serve him and those he sends across your path with selflessness and joy.