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Leadership - 2. The Law of Influence


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****Please note this is not the OP/Subject just the introduction****

I’m going to start a series about Leadership on WCF and how it applies to Christians today. My hope is to encourage others to grow and mature in their walk with the Lord. I also would like to see people reach their full potential in leadership in reaching those around them for Christ and making disciples in fullfilling the Great Commission.

Here's what we've discussed and looked at from a Scriptural perspective so far:

God bless,

GE

------------------------------------

*****This is the OP and subject to this thread below*****

Leadership - 2. The Law of Influence

The True Measure of Leadership is Influence – Nothing More, Nothing Less.

There is positional leadership. In the military leaders use rank and if all else fails throw people into the brig. In business, bosses have tremendous leverage in the form of salary, benefits, hours, perks. In voluntary organizations, such as churches, the only thing that works is leadership in its purest form. Leaders have only the influence given by God to aid them.

If you are a businessperson and you really want to find out whether your people are capable of leading, send them out to volunteer their time in the community. If they can get people to follow them while their serving say at Red Cross, or a United Way shelter, their local church, they you know they really understand influence.

Example: Abraham Lincoln

One of my favorite stories is that of Abraham Lincoln. He went from captain to private to commander in chief. In 1932, years before he became president, young Lincoln gather men together to fight in the Black Hawk War. The person who put the volunteer company together for the militia often became the leader and assumed a commanding rank. Lincoln was given the rank of captain.

Lincoln had a problem though that he knew nothing about soldiering. He also had no prior military experience and knew nothing about tactics. There’s the story that one day Lincoln was marching a couple dozen men across a field and needed to guide them through a gate. Lincoln recalled “I could not for the life of me remember the proper word of command for getting my company endwise. Finally, as we came near {the gate} I shouted: ‘This company is dismissed for two minutes, when it will fall in again on the other side of the gate.”

As time went on Lincoln’s influence with his men actually decreased. Lincoln began with the title of captain. By the end of his military service, Abraham Lincoln found his rightful place having achieved the rank of private.

Fortunately, Lincoln overcame his inability to influence others. Despite his early military circumstances God used Lincoln tremendously. So much so that he was key in passing the 13th Amendment to the Constitution that ended slavery in the U.S. that was passed by Congress on April 8, 1864.

Here’s an interesting saying: “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”

Thoughts? What are some examples of influence in the Bible both from a positive and negative standpoint? (Hint: Rahab, Joshua, Samuel, David, etc.)

God bless,

GE

Assume I'm using this source for all my posts on this thread: Leadership material from John C. Maxwell.

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I'll start out with an example...

A. The Law of Influence: God used Rahab

Joshua 2:1-21

The Story of Rahab proves that God will use anybody. This woman worked as a prostitute in Jericho as the Israelites approached the city, there seemed little logical reason why Rahab should have been considered for the role:

1. She occupied no position and held no official title in the city.

2. The Israelites probably looked at women as lower class citizens back then.

3. As a prostitute, she held an even lower social rank than the average woman.

But because leadership depends less on titles than it does on influence given by God, God chose Rahab. She helped the spies by her quick wit, gutsy style, and clever plan . By doing so she saved not her own life, but added to accomplishing the purposes in Jericho. Rahab even occupies an honored place in the hall of faith in Hebrews (Heb. 11:31).

Thoughts?

God bless,

GE

Source: Leadership material from John C. Maxwell.

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An example of poor leadership.

The wealthy man Nabal denied provisions for the army of God’s beloved David which had protected his livestock assets. The men of Nabal’s household were saved from death only because of the intervention of his wife Abigail. ( Another wise woman in the bible ) Nabal's poor leadership almost needlessly cost lives of people who served him.

Nabal acted selfishly and without good judgment or wisdom. He also did not give thanks to God for his many blessings.

1 Samuel 25.

Unselfishness, good judgment, and wisdom are vital leadership qualities.

Also ! If Nabal was a good leader he would accept the wise counsel of others which it appears was not his habit.

Edited by ninhao
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I'm not sure I am on base with this. . . . But I will Give it a try.

God Uses David !

The Story of David and Goliath is Found in the First book of Samuel. (17) David was just a youth, the youngest of his three brothers. He was an armourbearer for Saul , untrained in War and was destined to defeat a man of war from youth. His weapon of choice was 5 smooth stones, a sling and the guidance of God.

1) David was just a young man, untrained, but held the Might of God in high esteem, confident in the Lords protection for Him. Knowing that he would be delivered before Goliath. Something interesting is that he says, "I come before you in the name of the Lord of Hosts." Then we look at John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" That same promise is presented; David came before the philistines in the name of the Lord; so that He may glorify His name. And it was done!!!

2) David was merely looked upon as a young child, most of all mocked for his "lack of wisdom in war" and coming before them with a stick. Little did they know just what he really came with !

3)David was of no real big name, just a young man representing God; being guided by Him in every way. He walked by faith; to me this not only represents the uniqueness of God's choice but it gives a true meaning to Gods dedication and love for us ! How far faith and favor can really go!

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An example of poor leadership.

The wealthy man Nabal denied provisions for the army of God’s beloved David which had protected his livestock assets. The men of Nabal’s household were saved from death only because of the intervention of his wife Abigail. ( Another wise woman in the bible ) Nabal's poor leadership almost needlessly cost lives of people who served him.

Nabal acted selfishly and without good judgment or wisdom. He also did not give thanks to God for his many blessings.

1 Samuel 25.

Unselfishness, good judgment, and wisdom are vital leadership qualities.

Also ! If Nabal was a good leader he would accept the wise counsel of others which it appears was not his habit.

Excellent Ninhao! I agree with what you've posted.

B. The Law of Influence: God used Abigail

Abigail is one of my favorite characters of the BIble. God had a plan for her life. God blessed her immensely and she helped with God's guidance David avoid a massacre. Her rare courage, common sense, and fabulous relational skills all contributed to her single-handedly saving her family.

On the other hand Nabal provoked the slaughter of his whole household. His name meant "fool" and he lived up to it. A man without discernment, he selfishly refused to provide for David and his men. Except for Abigail...

Lessons from Abigail:

1. Risky initiative: Abigail took the first step with David to resolve a sticky situation.

2. Emotional security: Abigail demonstrated inward security in her identity.

3. Genuine humility: Abigail submitted to David by falling at his feet and seeking his favor.

4. Personal responsibility: Abigail took responsibility for Nabal and explained his wicked behavior.

5. Selfless attitude: Abigail focused completely on David's welfare and future success.

6. Generous spirit: Abigail gave David ad his men a choice gift for their journey.

7. Forthright approach: Abigail directly asked David to forgive Nabal. She was a peacemaker.

8. Quick wit: Abigail suggested David didn't want a slaughter on his conscious.

9. Eternal perspective: Abigail saw David and their relationship from a divine viewpoint. She wanted him to succeed.

10. Kind affirmation: Abigail sought David's benefit and gave him encouraging words.

Stuff Good Relationships are Made Of...

A. Have a Leader's Head: Be a Risk Taker and Understand People

Abigail when she found out of her husband's folly set it upon herself to be a peacemaker. She did not live in fear but faced the challenge head on. Abigail understood how to appeal to David in order to accomplish her goal of saving her people from the sword. She understood that generosity (200 loaves of bread, 2 win skins, five sheep, one hundred clusters of raisins, etc.) breeds generosity. She also understood that David didn't want to kill Nabal and her household out of revenge.

B. Have a Leader's Heart: Love God Love People

Abigail was wise as she had an eternal perspective regarding David's actions. Abigail assumed the role of a servant, submitting to both David and her husband. She felt secure enough to serve.

C. Have a Leader's Hand: Help People

Abigail gave David and his men what they needed (supplies and honor). She added value to him and thereby saved her life and that of her family.

What do you think? Agree/Disagree? Something to add? More thoughts on Nabal in the next post.

God bless,

GE

Source: Leadership material from John C. Maxwell.

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An example of poor leadership.

The wealthy man Nabal denied provisions for the army of God’s beloved David which had protected his livestock assets. The men of Nabal’s household were saved from death only because of the intervention of his wife Abigail. ( Another wise woman in the bible ) Nabal's poor leadership almost needlessly cost lives of people who served him.

Nabal acted selfishly and without good judgment or wisdom. He also did not give thanks to God for his many blessings.

1 Samuel 25.

Unselfishness, good judgment, and wisdom are vital leadership qualities.

Also ! If Nabal was a good leader he would accept the wise counsel of others which it appears was not his habit.

C. The Law of Influence: Nabal's Failure

Why Did Nabal Fail?

1. Nabal grew wealthy and satisfied and didn't think he needed to build relationships. (vs. 2)

2. Nabal became selfish and distrustful of others; he couldn't overcome his evil temperament. (vs. 3)

3. Nabla neither gave nor received encouragement; he had grown numb to positive attitudes. (vs. 6)

4. Nabal forgot how others had blessed him in the past; he counted only his losses. (vs. 7, 8)

5. Nabal belittled people and forgot their names; his insecruity prevented his generosity. (vs. 10)

6. Nabal saw no reason to help others; he suffered from self-centered motives. (vs. 11)

7. Nabal wanted to build only his own "kingdom," not God's (vs. 11)

Four Word Pictures...

What could Nabal have done to improve his relational skills? HE could have stated by embracing the following pictures:

1. The Host

Just as a host takes innitiative and makes a guest feel comfortable in his or her home, so are we to host the relationships God gives us in our loves.

2. The Doctor

Just as doctor does not give a prescription before first making a diagnosis, we are to poke and prod others with questions, so that our responses match the relevant need.

3. The Counselor

A good counselor actively listens. Since the number one emotional need (the number 1 spiritual need is salvation through Jesus Christ) of people today is the need to be understood, we must deepen our listening skills.

4. The Tour Guide

You hire a tour guide to help you reach your planned destination. God wants us to serve as spiritual "tour guides" for others, helping them to reach their full potential in Christ.

Thoughts? Agree/disagree? Something to add?

God bless,

GE

Source: Leadership material from John C. Maxwell.

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An example of poor leadership.

The wealthy man Nabal denied provisions for the army of God’s beloved David which had protected his livestock assets. The men of Nabal’s household were saved from death only because of the intervention of his wife Abigail. ( Another wise woman in the bible ) Nabal's poor leadership almost needlessly cost lives of people who served him.

Nabal acted selfishly and without good judgment or wisdom. He also did not give thanks to God for his many blessings.

1 Samuel 25.

Unselfishness, good judgment, and wisdom are vital leadership qualities.

Also ! If Nabal was a good leader he would accept the wise counsel of others which it appears was not his habit.

Excellent Ninhao! I agree with what you've posted.

Abigail is one of my favorite characters of the BIble. God had a plan for her life. God blessed her immensely and she helped with God's guidance David avoid a massacre. Her rare courage, common sense, and fabulous relational skills all contributed to her single-handedly saving her family.

On the other hand Nabal provoked the slaughter of his whole household. His name meant "fool" and he lived up to it. A man without discernment, he selfishly refused to provide for David and his men. Except for Abigail...

Lessons from Abigail:

1. Risky initiative: Abigail took the first step with David to resolve a sticky situation.

2. Emotional security: Abigail demonstrated inward security in her identity.

3. Genuine humility: Abigail submitted to David by falling at his feet and seeking his favor.

4. Personal responsibility: Abigail took responsibility for Nabal and explained his wicked behavior.

5. Selfless attitude: Abigail focused completely on David's welfare and future success.

6. Generous spirit: Abigail gave David ad his men a choice gift for their journey.

7. Forthright approach: Abigail directly asked David to forgive Nabal. She was a peacemaker.

8. Quick wit: Abigail suggested David didn't want a slaughter on his conscious.

9. Eternal perspective: Abigail saw David and their relationship from a divine viewpoint. She wanted him to succeed.

10. Kind affirmation: Abigail sought David's benefit and gave him encouraging words.

Stuff Good Relationships are Made Of...

A. Have a Leader's Head: Be a Risk Taker and Understand People

Abigail when she found out of her husband's folly set it upon herself to be a peacemaker. She did not live in fear but faced the challenge head on. Abigail understood how to appeal to David in order to accomplish her goal of saving her people from the sword. She understood that generosity (200 loaves of bread, 2 win skins, five sheep, one hundred clusters of raisins, etc.) breeds generosity. She also understood that David didn't want to kill Nabal and her household out of revenge.

B. Have a Leader's Heart: Love God Love People

Abigail was wise as she had an eternal perspective regarding David's actions. Abigail assumed the role of a servant, submitting to both David and her husband. She felt secure enough to serve.

C. Have a Leader's Hand: Help People

Abigail gave David and his men what they needed (supplies and honor). She added value to him and thereby saved her life and that of her family.

What do you think? Agree/Disagree? Something to add? More thoughts on Nabal in the next post.

God bless,

GE

Hello GE,

I like what you have written a lot. :)

One thing though. Abigail went against her husbands wishes by giving supplies to David.

What is the biblical principle to this? Is it doing the right thing regardless or obeying God and not man or something else.

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An example of poor leadership.

The wealthy man Nabal denied provisions for the army of God’s beloved David which had protected his livestock assets. The men of Nabal’s household were saved from death only because of the intervention of his wife Abigail. ( Another wise woman in the bible ) Nabal's poor leadership almost needlessly cost lives of people who served him.

Nabal acted selfishly and without good judgment or wisdom. He also did not give thanks to God for his many blessings.

1 Samuel 25.

Unselfishness, good judgment, and wisdom are vital leadership qualities.

Also ! If Nabal was a good leader he would accept the wise counsel of others which it appears was not his habit.

Why Did Nabal Fail?

1. Nabal grew wealthy and satisfied and didn't think he needed to build relationships. (vs. 2)

2. Nabal became selfish and distrustful of others; he couldn't overcome his evil temperament. (vs. 3)

3. Nabla neither gave nor received encouragement; he had grown numb to positive attitudes. (vs. 6)

4. Nabal forgot how others had blessed him in the past; he counted only his losses. (vs. 7, 8)

5. Nabal belittled people and forgot their names; his insecruity prevented his generosity. (vs. 10)

6. Nabal saw no reason to help others; he suffered from self-centered motives. (vs. 11)

7. Nabal wanted to build only his own "kingdom," not God's (vs. 11)

Four Word Pictures...

What could Nabal have done to improve his relational skills? HE could have stated by embracing the following pictures:

1. The Host

Just as a host takes innitiative and makes a guest feel comfortable in his or her home, so are we to host the relationships God gives us in our loves.

2. The Doctor

Just as doctor does not give a prescription before first making a diagnosis, we are to poke and prod others with questions, so that our responses match the relevant need.

3. The Counselor

A good counselor actively listens. Since the number one emotional need (the number 1 spiritual need is salvation through Jesus Christ) of people today is the need to be understood, we must deepen our listening skills.

4. The Tour Guide

You hire a tour guide to help you reach your planned destination. God wants us to serve as spiritual "tour guides" for others, helping them to reach their full potential in Christ.

Thoughts? Agree/disagree? Something to add?

God bless,

GE

1Sa 25:10-11 KJV And Nabal answered David's servants, and said, Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. (11) Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?

I find it unlikely that Nabal did not know who David was considering Abigail's obvious knowledge he was God's annointed.

Was Nabal playing dumb to excuse his selfish actions? A good leader should be careful who he makes enemies with.

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I'm not sure I am on base with this. . . . But I will Give it a try.

God Uses David !

The Story of David and Goliath is Found in the First book of Samuel. (17) David was just a youth, the youngest of his three brothers. He was an armourbearer for Saul , untrained in War and was destined to defeat a man of war from youth. His weapon of choice was 5 smooth stones, a sling and the guidance of God.

1) David was just a young man, untrained, but held the Might of God in high esteem, confident in the Lords protection for Him. Knowing that he would be delivered before Goliath. Something interesting is that he says, "I come before you in the name of the Lord of Hosts." Then we look at John 14:13 "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son" That same promise is presented; David came before the philistines in the name of the Lord; so that He may glorify His name. And it was done!!!

2) David was merely looked upon as a young child, most of all mocked for his "lack of wisdom in war" and coming before them with a stick. Little did they know just what he really came with !

3)David was of no real big name, just a young man representing God; being guided by Him in every way. He walked by faith; to me this not only represents the uniqueness of God's choice but it gives a true meaning to Gods dedication and love for us ! How far faith and favor can really go!

Thank you Jacob it seems calling on the name of the Lord can deliver physically and spiritually according to David later in life.

Psa_116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

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Those from the first discussion... - OldShep, walla299, SavedByGrace1981, FresnoJoe, others any thoughts on this second law: The Law of Influence?

God bless,

GE

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