Leading with the End in Mind
Bethany Lethbridge
Recently, I read a book to my children about the Parable of the Talents based on the account in Matthew 25:14-30 in which two servants use their talents very effectively while the third servant buried his talent and hence was most ineffective. This children’s story book really got me thinking, what am I doing with the life the Lord has blessed me with? How am I stewarding my life? My time? My resources? In what ways am I serving and being a blessing to others? Am I living in such a way that I will hear, 'Well done, good and faithful servant?' As it is written in Philippians 2:12, 'we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.'
We will all have to give an account for our lives and how we spent the time we were given on this earth. I do not want to be like the third servant who wasted what was given to him, and did not use it to bless others.
We are all in positions of leadership. Though our roles may differ from one another, we have all been blessed with a sphere of influence. What we do with the sphere of influence we have been given--what type of leader we are--is up to us and the decisions we make.
Leading is not an easy task, not if we want to do it right. It requires us to be strong, to take a stand, and to LEAD. It often involves making difficult decisions and choices that may be unpopular. However, if we want to be good, godly leaders, our goal is not to be liked by the world for, if we are a friend of the world, we are at enmity with Christ.
Being a godly leader--being a good steward of the talents we have been given--will require us to make choices and live our lives in a way that is in line with our solidly Bible-based beliefs and convictions. We are not to compromise to appease others, even if it costs us opportunities, because to give in--though potentially easier in the moment--will have a greater cost in the long run. We will all stand before the judgement seat, on our own, and answer for the decisions we have made.
As a mother of three young children, for example, I need to remind myself that, though I love my children very much, I am not simply their friend. I am their mom. I am in a position of leadership over them. The Lord has blessed me with these three delightful lives and I will have to give an account for how I raise them. This means I do not give in to their every whim. This important role requires consistency and discipline. And though it may be tiring and I may not always see the fruit of my work, I know that I will reap a harvest if I do not give up.
Leadership is not easy, but it is a blessing. The choices and decisions we make determine the influence we have and the type of leader we are. In light of this, how do you want to lead with the end in mind?
Matthew 25:23, 'His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
