Leadership 101 – Part 1

“I was cupbearer to the king.” Nehemiah 1:11c

Over the years I’ve read many great books on the topic of leadership. But, without question, the best book on the subject is in the Bible. The 13 chapters of the Book of Nehemiah present timeless, practical, and biblical principles on leadership that every Christian leader needs to understand and apply.

Context:
Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king. His job was important and influential since he tasted the wine beforehand to make sure it wasn’t poisoned. Consequently, he was a trusted advisor. Nehemiah heard a report that the Jewish remnant was in trouble and that Jerusalem was in ruins. His heart was broken. He earnestly prayed that God would change the heart of the king.

Leadership Lessons:

A leader cares about people.

• Nehemiah learned of the desperate situation from his brother, Hanani, and his companions. The first question Nehemiah asked was about the remnant living in exile. He cared about the condition of his fellow Jews.
• People will follow leaders who care about the people they lead. And they will sense it if you care about them because you’re “supposed to” care. They want leaders who know them and care about them.

A leader has a passion.

• A passion is whatever moves your heart to action and sacrifice in making a difference. Passions tend to focus on people, their needs or issues they face.
• Nehemiah’s passion was the Jewish remnant living in exile in Jerusalem.
• Notice that his immediate reaction was to sit down and weep. Then for some days he mourned and fasted and prayed.
• What is it that only a little breeze will fan the flame burning in your heart into a raging fire? Where do you long to make a difference?

A leader prays.

• Nehemiah prayed using a pattern that still resonates today …
• Adore:
  Spend time worshipping God.
• Admit:
  Confess your sins.
• Anchor:
  Remind God of a promise He has made in the Word.
• Ask:
  Make your request based on His promise.
• A leader must have an effective prayer life. Apart from Me, you can do nothing.

A leader maintains perspective.

• Nehemiah confessed that he was part of the sins of the nation against a God.
• He knew his place – he was the cupbearer to the king, and not the king!
• You are either the cupbearer to the king or the cupbearer king. Either way, you are to be a servant leader marked by humility.

Prayer:
“Lord, Your Word is so practical and relevant. I want to be a leader who cares about people, has a passion, prays, and keeps perspective. Make me into that kind of leader. Amen.”

© 2013 Steven A. Lake