ARE YOU AN ENCOURAGER?
Memorise: Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful
of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 2 Timothy 1:4
Two peculiar perils that confront Christian Leadership
are discouragement and undue elation. A
spiritual leader is in peril of being unduly depressed by inevitable times of
discouragement and being unduly elated by inevitable days of uplifting
experience and achievements. Both of these seasons are experienced in every
work for God. It is important for a spiritual leader to be watchful in seasons
when everything goes well, when goals are reached, when planned endeavours are
crowned with success, when the Spirit moves, souls, are saved and saints are
blessed. At such times, a mature leader should know on whose brow of place the
crown of achievements. He should be careful not to arrogate to himself the
glory that belongs to God alone. There are also moments of discouragement.
These are seasons when everything seems not to be going well, when goals are
frustrated, when planned endeavours flop, when the Spirit refuses to move and
worship services seem insipid and lifeless. At such times, a leader needs
encouragement. He should however be careful not to misbehave. Someone summed up
what should be the attitude of a wise leader at moments of elation and
discouragement in these cryptic words: “if successful, do not crow; if defeated
do not croak”. Everyone needs encouragement. Everyone needs assistance.
Everyone needs comfort. Everyone needs the prayer of others. Apostle Paul knew
this truth when he requested in Ephesians 6:18-19 that brethren should pray for
him. Are you a source of encouragement or an instrument of discouragement to
your leader? There are several ways Christians can encourage their leaders. One
is by obedience. Obey your leader. Make his work easy, enjoyable and
interesting for him. Demonstrate that you love him. Be his friend.
“Ye are my friends, if ye do
whatsoever I command you.”
John 15:14
Another way to encourage your leader is through
voluntary service. Render assistance to your leader. Do whatever you can to
boost his ministry and ensure that it flourishes. Use your talents, gift and
material resources for the furtherance of the work entrusted into the hands of
your leader. Be sacrificial in your service. The dispensing of encouragement
should however be reciprocal. Just as subordinates are expected to encourage
their leaders, leaders should also encourage their subordinates. Our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ in Luke 8:2-3 was encouraged by Mary Magdalene and some
other women who ministered to him out of their resources. However, before these
women could minister to him, Jesus had encouraged them by his own ministration
of salvation, healing and deliverance. Additionally, a spiritual leader is a
father, and fathers are enjoined in the scriptures not to provoke or frustrate
their children (Ephesians 6:4). Do not deny them their rights and privileges.
Prayer Point:
Father, help me to be an encourager.
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