Leadership Lesson – Intimacy with God
John Maxwell defines leadership as “influence,” nothing more and nothing less. Now everyone influences someone, so in reality, we are all leaders. And knowing that we all influence someone should challenge us to live a life worth following.
However, there are times in people’s lives when their level of influence increases. And from the moment you said “Yes” to whatever position you hold at your church, your work, etc., your level of influence increased.
With more people looking for you to lead them, you need to be more aware of who is leading you. And the ultimate example of leadership, is our heavenly Father. He is the author of leadership. And the closer you are to Him (the more intimate), the better equipped you will be to lead those who look to you.
The following passage by David is an incredible example of a person who desires intimacy with God. David is one of the most influential people of all time. And there is no doubt in my mind that his desire to seek God was the biggest factor in his ability to attract others.
If you want to be a better leader, a better influencer, take a moment and read this passage, then ask yourself, “Is this the type of relationship I desire with my Heavenly Father?” If not, “What needs to be done to achieve it?”
Psalm 63
A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.
1 You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
I thirst for you,
my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water.
2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.
4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.
5 I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.
7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.
8 I cling to you;
your right hand upholds me.
9 Those who want to kill me will be destroyed;
they will go down to the depths of the earth.
10 They will be given over to the sword
and become food for jackals.
11 But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by God will glory in him,
while the mouths of liars will be silenced.