Victory In Christ

Relational Authority: Authentic Leadership, a book written by Clay Nash is so insightful — pointing out important qualities of leadership and authority. 

1. Forerunner A leader is a person who moves ahead first. Hebrews 6:20 reads: “Where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 

2. Motivator A leader motivates others for a certain purpose or goal — often giving less-than-desirable directions to help them discover the purpose in being there. A leader blesses the people with the vision to move out into new territory while overcoming initial reluctance in order to see God’s plan.

3. Attracts People Leaders attract and direct people to a certain course of action through persuasion, charisma, and by their example — which seals the deal.

4. Direction and Structure  : Leaders consult with the people under them before ever taking action so as to learn what is truly going on —- getting others on board with a new plan — with changes that affect their lives. They enlist others and show them the benefits of embracing the changes. 

5. Coordinates Ideas A leader coordinates other people’s ideas, bringing diverse outlooks together into a cohesive and critical mass. 

6. Leads In Life A godly leader leads and lives a life of holiness to the Lord so that others may know and follow in righteousness.  Personal as well as outward integrity is the gold standard. 

7. Instructs and Corrects A leader carries the authority to lead others by instruction and course correction.  The new course must become the norm. 

8. Faces Own Faults A secure leader who has faced his own weaknesses will give the people under him the freedom to make mistakes — the goal being for them to avoid the pitfalls the leader previously made.

9. Vulnerability  A leader is vulnerable, developing true symbiotic relationships that accommodate the needs others. Without a vision, the people perish. Yet, without a people, the leader is just out for a walk.

Regarding Leadership, John Maxwell writes, “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.”

All of us should desire to be more effective leaders in all areas of life.