"Not the things of themselves each considering but also the things of each other. Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus..."1
This word for considering is derived from skopos; to take aim at; figuratively to regard, consider, take heed, look at (on), mark. We know the definition of sin is said to be "missing the mark," and we know the golden rule of Christianity is to treat others as we would want to be treated, thus considering the things of others is not missing the mark but making the mark of God's righteousness. Considering the Welfare of Others displays the love for God and others thus fulfills God's righteousness.
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."2
Considering the interests of others is a burden, and lifting the burdens of others fulfills the "law of Christ." Such is two part; considering the burdens of others but also considering yourself lest you likewise fall.5 Lifting the burden of someone missing the mark is part of this burden but we can not neglect the natural. Paul writes the natural is first, so how can I turn my heart from his physical need and say I am meeting the spiritual need alone? in doing so does the love of God dwell in my heart? We might be able to justify not meeting the natural of one who does not bear his own load but what of a brother who has has lost his job. We might try by saying we are praying for you or we are sacrificing to spread the gospel.
"But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love (agape) abide in him?"6
What gospel are we spreading then if I find good in helping strangers but not my brother in need? Considering the things of others is to consider the welfare of others, the natural and spiritual. Surely if we have the mind of Christ it is towards the treatment of others, thus such is a test of a renewed mind. Jesus was asked what the greatest commandments were, He said these greatest are of loving God, and there is one like it, loving others; these fulfill the law. Considering others is equal in importance, as God loves his children, what is done to the least of these is done also to Christ. The welfare of others is of high importance to God, such was seen in the early church.
"The congregation of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned..."19
"The early church was "filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" and grew in grace, "And abundant grace was upon them all" and "there were no needy ones among them" everything they had was "for distribution to anyone as he had need."20 So we see what it meant in the early church to do good "especially to those who are of the household of faith." We also see two fundamentals of the early Church, spreading the gospel boldly and the care of its own people, those of its own household of faith. Such can be applied to leadership with its two primary duties; accomplishing the mission and the welfare of the people."3
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;"7
In the Army we had a phrase, you are as strong as your weakest link. If the care of one person is neglected on the team, if he doesn't have proper training, equipment, health, food, shelter, supplies, etc... then the whole team is said to be as strong as this weak person. Such mindset encourages teamwork, serving others. We read about Peter's great faith but I picture Jesus saying, Peter, what about Thomas? we can brag about our spiritual maturity while hurting our brother who doubts. The disciples would argue over who has the greatest authority, gift, calling, faith, who is more spiritually mature, etc... but Jesus points to true leadership in the Kingdom of God. The Church is as strong as its weakest link. Peter do you love me? feed my sheep.
"Therefore take heed lest the light in you be darkness."8
Jesus gave woes to the Pharisees, as they looked righteous on the outside but inside were unclean. They tithe every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God.9 They loved the glory of men, the best seat in the synagogue and greetings in the marketplaces. They load people with burdens hard to bear and do not lift their loads. They build tombs for the prophets whom their fathers killed, thus the blood of all generations would be on them, and desolation was promised to them. They followed he who would bring about the abomination of desolation.
"For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked."5
This was to the lukewarm church in Laodicea, like some in the church today these associate worldly goods with the blessings of God. They made serving God all about receiving such things, but the blessing of the sun and rain are given to the good and to the evil. Though rich in worldly goods they do not realize how poor they were. The focus of the blessings of God is spiritual, things more valuable than silver and gold, such satisfies the soul of man, and endures into everlasting life.
"for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."8
Paul writes nothing counts besides "faith working through love," truly the love of others defines whether the Light in us is true. Jesus said there would be false prophets, thus not to ignore such would not be wise, we are to consider, take heed as these do not have our best interests at heart. Consider the military leader who finds his men expendable, to be sacrificed for the mission. So how would you tell such a person from a genuine leader? It is through the welfare of his soldiers that such trust is being developed. As the love of a brother is telling, considering the welfare of others is a productive way to build trust in your people. Such a leader is very aware of using his position not for personal gain, he considers, takes heed of the welfare of his people.
"For I have no one like minded, who genuinely the things concerning welfare."9
This word for welfare merimnaó " I am over-anxious; I care for," (from mérimna, "care, worry, anxiety") – properly, drawn in opposite directions; "divided into parts" like the force exerted by worry which can be negative or like that positive force of effectively distributing concern. So we see welfare is concerning oneself with the needs of others, "considering but also the things of each other," which takes aim at; regards, considers, takes heed. Paul is and knows Timothy will be like minded as Christ, knowing some he can't trust to have this welfare of others in mind.
"For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."10
My last mission trip was a two part trip. The first part was not so great, they had planned an eight hour drive on the wrong day with the drivers and the driver, who knew them well, wasn't going to sacrifice his day with his wife, so they invited her along. Because of the extra person I ended that night up in the attic of a church, which I thought was no problem until I woke up sick. I had plenty of blankets but there was no heat, and it was really, really cold. I was sick and it was obvious but no one seemed to care, I hinted, at least to stop for some vitamin C or something, but I was ignored. I knew I was sick so I then asked to go to a clinic or pharmacy but they would say they didn't have time or they were not near a pharmacy, they lied.
I would eventually ask them how they could let me go sick but they would act as if this was evil bestowing me, and that it was my fault as if I didn't pray up... But I saw how they served their own interests and not that of others. I once slept on a half inch pad on the ground for ten days with no bath nor hot food, it was an exciting trip. So I am no stranger to sacrifice, but they were accusing me of not having a servants heart. Now, do I think myself better than another person because I sacrifice more for Jesus? I hope not to boast in such, there is discomfort and sacrifice, we rejoice in such as it is producing confidence and such is expected of us as followers of Christ but we also required to care for one another as we go into all nations.
It is an amazing thing though, we think that serving at such a level of sacrifice one would not find such things, but such is the nature of the flesh even in forms of self-absement it will serve its own interests. We are reminded of such in the story of the couple who sold all they had to give to the early church, for personal gain they gave, oh look at us, we gave all we had to the Church! Look at me help orphans! While we are all growing in Christ there are those who will follow Christ for personal gain, these will not genuinely care for you. I came to this very important observation; leadership consists of these two fundamental principles; accomplishing the mission and the welfare of others.
"Leadership is influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization."3
During the first part of my trip on day four we finally go to a clinic, but I was told to wait outside, as I might get the people sick inside. Really! It so happened the volunteer clinic was closed that day, and the husband and wife who maintained it, noticed me outside and my sickness, what are you doing out here they asked? I told them what I was told, "wait outside because I was sick," nonsense they said, "its a clinic, come in!" Thank you Jesus! they gave me hot tea, and made quite an impression on me, I thought this is what the Church looks like, caring for each others as we go into nations or our communities.
"Leadership is influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation..."
I can demand people follow me through obedience to authority, or even follow some standard of sacrifice, but if I do not give purpose, motivation, and direction, only condemning others for not living to my standards then I will not influence people in a positive way. What is the difference between sacrifice and mistreatment? where do you draw the line? There should be purpose and motivation, a "buying in" of the vision. What is the opposite? forced labor, mistreatment, slavery... Those who equate the welfare of others in accomplishing the mission distinguish themselves from those who would seek the glory of men over God.
It was a two part trip, for the second part I went into a war zone with another organization and with what I would later be diagnosed with, severe dehydration and walking pneumonia. My strength was zapped when I needed it the most, such was not from God, sick soldiers don't fight so well. A lesson God showed me, the welfare of others is so important in the battle we wage. The English word welfare is from well, "thoroughly, carefully, or soundly" and fare, "to experience good or bad fortune, treatment" it is defined as the well being or good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc., of a person, group, or organization.6 The health of an organization can be said to be its welfare. Most definitions of leadership include the welfare of people in some form.
"... shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;"10
This definition of leadership Peter gives is all about the welfare of the flock. Jesus said there is but one flock and one shepherd.11 Thus a pastor is as Peter writes, is one that tends to the flock, he is not the shepherd, Christ is the shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, this leader feeds the sheep. We see this in the early church which met both the physical and spiritual needs of the people. This word for exercises oversight, is episkopountes, from epi, "on, fitting" and skopeó, "consider, take heed, look intently." I hope you noticed this word again, "consider." A leader who exercises oversight considers the welfare of the people. These who consider equate "the things of themselves" or accomplishing the mission with "considering also the things of each other" or the welfare of others.
"Though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."11
Christ is our example, and leadership is by example. Peter states in his definition of leadership that a leader is one who exercises oversight, which "considers, takes heed, or looks intently" at the welfare of others. Such is not by force, not for personal gain, not exercising lordship over those in charge, but through humility serving, being examples to the flock. Now, I ask where is accomplishing the mission in this definition? Possibly the mission is in exercising oversight itself, the vision is cast then focus is on the building up, the welfare of the people. As Paul writes it is "faith working through love" whereby gifts are applied in the perfection of the church in love.
"I in them and you in me, that they may be perfected in one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."12
This being "perfected in one" is often translated as unity, or oneness, through this the world will know Christ is from God. This know is different than a knowledge of God and is seen in fullness in this oneness in the Church, they experience what is purposed in this unity, "the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me." This word for know is ginóskó, to know, especially through personal experience. Jesus said the world will know we are his disciples by our love for one another, a love we have experienced in Christ, thus this personal experience is reflected to others in that we love one another as Christ loves us. This agape love and this being perfected into one is the greatest evangelistic tools we have. Like rivers of living water flowing forth, in godliness brotherly love is produced and in brotherly love there is agape love.
"Moreover in godliness, brotherly love, moreover in brotherly love, agape love."14
The opposite of the characteristics of a godly leader describes someone who seeks leadership for personal gain, which is often seen in double standards, or using the perks of leadership while the people sacrifice. My first mission trip I woke up in the middle of the night wet, I had to put plastic under me as a moisture barrier. Where were my leaders? Now, I have experienced worse discomforts, I do not complain of such sacrifice nor do I condemn others only to say that leaders who consider the things of others as their own, have such a mindset that if my men sleep on the ground I sleep on the ground with them, such will go a long way in building trust.
Building trust is valuable in improving the welfare of the organization. Looking from the outside of boot camp in the Army some come up with false conclusions. Like instructors yelling at recruits might look like punishment to the outsider, so an emphasis might be placed on authority and obedience. But its purpose is to produce people who can think and act under intense pressure, like that when bullets are flying over your head. Classroom knowledge is applied in hands on exercises where you learn over time to trust the word of this leader, you learn to trust what they are telling you will one day save your life.
Of course the instructors in the military are very aware of the importance of developing trust in men, and how the welfare of their people plays a role. Though often a Master Sergeant an instructor would stand against a higher ranking officer who would interfere with such. I have seen trust destroyed in organizations were leaders refused to stand for their people against some outside authority that would come in and run all over their people. Men will not follow you into battle if you will not stand for them, if you do not show a caring interest in them, and why should they? Oh you say I have this authority from God... Yes, but I trust in God, not in the authority of men.
"Do nothing according to self-interest or according to vain conceit but in humility one another esteeming surpassing themselves."10
Truth is heard and received by trust, such is being applied giving understanding and such application builds confidence, in which men stand, which fuels the accomplishment of things that seem impossible. Good leaders serve in building men not for personal gain. We think of self-interest as that of personal gain through accumulation of worldly goods, but this word for self-interest speaks of a different type, (from eritheuō, "work for hire") – properly, work done merely for hire (as a mercenary), referring therefore to carnal ambition (selfish rivalry). So we see why the welfare of your people is important in developed trust. Such a self-interested military leader would find his men expendable for his career, not a genuine considering of the things of others.
The mission trip I got sick on, self-interest was most obvious, it was obvious the self-interests at work, director of this ministry was being considered while others were not. Sacrificing is not occuring on the same level, and these leaders are not considering these things. Double standards or hypocrisy kills motivation, Jesus said of the Pharisees they do these things because they seek the glory of men. This self-interest is most damaging in the Kingdom of God, often excused away as "perks of leadership," called rewards for obedience, if you are humble and obedient like me, one day you might be exalted. This hypocrisy is like yeast in dough, it leavens the whole lump, and nothing is more damaging to the moral of the organization. When the welfare of the people is overlooked or is insincere, people will become demoralized.
Exercising oversight can be viewed in that of the office of the President. He is appointed by the people, of the people, for the people. You can say the employer of the President is the people. More so is a pastor, of the people, by the people, for the people. Such an office is not for kings and dictators, not a place for dynasties nor legacies to had, but a place to serve the people. When self-interest is put above the people, no longer is he a servant of the people, but like a king who lords over peasants. These are like employees who use business expenses for personal gain. Pastors are obligated to the people and those who indulge in the perks while the people are wanting will destroy trust thus moral. But on the other side genuinely considering the welfare of people is a powerful way to build trust within your organization.
Bearing the burdens of others, such is sacrificial, it is the mindset of Christ, being the law of Christ. Christ would give his life for the people, though a Lord, he served not himself but came to save man, from themselves. Such sacrifice requires one to have the same mindset of Christ, to bear the burden, standing firm, "knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." To use the sacrifice of others for your own personal gain, I can think of no greater betrayal and abuse of the office entrusted. This is the greatest threat that which comes from within. Oh, a Church , that seeks, knows, and possesses the mind of Christ.
Overwhelmed
This word for considering is derived from skopos; to take aim at; figuratively to regard, consider, take heed, look at (on), mark. We know the definition of sin is said to be "missing the mark," and we know the golden rule of Christianity is to treat others as we would want to be treated, thus considering the things of others is not missing the mark but making the mark of God's righteousness. Considering the Welfare of Others displays the love for God and others thus fulfills God's righteousness.
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."2
Considering the interests of others is a burden, and lifting the burdens of others fulfills the "law of Christ." Such is two part; considering the burdens of others but also considering yourself lest you likewise fall.5 Lifting the burden of someone missing the mark is part of this burden but we can not neglect the natural. Paul writes the natural is first, so how can I turn my heart from his physical need and say I am meeting the spiritual need alone? in doing so does the love of God dwell in my heart? We might be able to justify not meeting the natural of one who does not bear his own load but what of a brother who has has lost his job. We might try by saying we are praying for you or we are sacrificing to spread the gospel.
"But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love (agape) abide in him?"6
What gospel are we spreading then if I find good in helping strangers but not my brother in need? Considering the things of others is to consider the welfare of others, the natural and spiritual. Surely if we have the mind of Christ it is towards the treatment of others, thus such is a test of a renewed mind. Jesus was asked what the greatest commandments were, He said these greatest are of loving God, and there is one like it, loving others; these fulfill the law. Considering others is equal in importance, as God loves his children, what is done to the least of these is done also to Christ. The welfare of others is of high importance to God, such was seen in the early church.
"The congregation of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned..."19
"The early church was "filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" and grew in grace, "And abundant grace was upon them all" and "there were no needy ones among them" everything they had was "for distribution to anyone as he had need."20 So we see what it meant in the early church to do good "especially to those who are of the household of faith." We also see two fundamentals of the early Church, spreading the gospel boldly and the care of its own people, those of its own household of faith. Such can be applied to leadership with its two primary duties; accomplishing the mission and the welfare of the people."3
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;"7
In the Army we had a phrase, you are as strong as your weakest link. If the care of one person is neglected on the team, if he doesn't have proper training, equipment, health, food, shelter, supplies, etc... then the whole team is said to be as strong as this weak person. Such mindset encourages teamwork, serving others. We read about Peter's great faith but I picture Jesus saying, Peter, what about Thomas? we can brag about our spiritual maturity while hurting our brother who doubts. The disciples would argue over who has the greatest authority, gift, calling, faith, who is more spiritually mature, etc... but Jesus points to true leadership in the Kingdom of God. The Church is as strong as its weakest link. Peter do you love me? feed my sheep.
"Therefore take heed lest the light in you be darkness."8
Jesus gave woes to the Pharisees, as they looked righteous on the outside but inside were unclean. They tithe every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God.9 They loved the glory of men, the best seat in the synagogue and greetings in the marketplaces. They load people with burdens hard to bear and do not lift their loads. They build tombs for the prophets whom their fathers killed, thus the blood of all generations would be on them, and desolation was promised to them. They followed he who would bring about the abomination of desolation.
"For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked."5
This was to the lukewarm church in Laodicea, like some in the church today these associate worldly goods with the blessings of God. They made serving God all about receiving such things, but the blessing of the sun and rain are given to the good and to the evil. Though rich in worldly goods they do not realize how poor they were. The focus of the blessings of God is spiritual, things more valuable than silver and gold, such satisfies the soul of man, and endures into everlasting life.
"for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."8
Paul writes nothing counts besides "faith working through love," truly the love of others defines whether the Light in us is true. Jesus said there would be false prophets, thus not to ignore such would not be wise, we are to consider, take heed as these do not have our best interests at heart. Consider the military leader who finds his men expendable, to be sacrificed for the mission. So how would you tell such a person from a genuine leader? It is through the welfare of his soldiers that such trust is being developed. As the love of a brother is telling, considering the welfare of others is a productive way to build trust in your people. Such a leader is very aware of using his position not for personal gain, he considers, takes heed of the welfare of his people.
"For I have no one like minded, who genuinely the things concerning welfare."9
This word for welfare merimnaó " I am over-anxious; I care for," (from mérimna, "care, worry, anxiety") – properly, drawn in opposite directions; "divided into parts" like the force exerted by worry which can be negative or like that positive force of effectively distributing concern. So we see welfare is concerning oneself with the needs of others, "considering but also the things of each other," which takes aim at; regards, considers, takes heed. Paul is and knows Timothy will be like minded as Christ, knowing some he can't trust to have this welfare of others in mind.
"For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."10
My last mission trip was a two part trip. The first part was not so great, they had planned an eight hour drive on the wrong day with the drivers and the driver, who knew them well, wasn't going to sacrifice his day with his wife, so they invited her along. Because of the extra person I ended that night up in the attic of a church, which I thought was no problem until I woke up sick. I had plenty of blankets but there was no heat, and it was really, really cold. I was sick and it was obvious but no one seemed to care, I hinted, at least to stop for some vitamin C or something, but I was ignored. I knew I was sick so I then asked to go to a clinic or pharmacy but they would say they didn't have time or they were not near a pharmacy, they lied.
I would eventually ask them how they could let me go sick but they would act as if this was evil bestowing me, and that it was my fault as if I didn't pray up... But I saw how they served their own interests and not that of others. I once slept on a half inch pad on the ground for ten days with no bath nor hot food, it was an exciting trip. So I am no stranger to sacrifice, but they were accusing me of not having a servants heart. Now, do I think myself better than another person because I sacrifice more for Jesus? I hope not to boast in such, there is discomfort and sacrifice, we rejoice in such as it is producing confidence and such is expected of us as followers of Christ but we also required to care for one another as we go into all nations.
It is an amazing thing though, we think that serving at such a level of sacrifice one would not find such things, but such is the nature of the flesh even in forms of self-absement it will serve its own interests. We are reminded of such in the story of the couple who sold all they had to give to the early church, for personal gain they gave, oh look at us, we gave all we had to the Church! Look at me help orphans! While we are all growing in Christ there are those who will follow Christ for personal gain, these will not genuinely care for you. I came to this very important observation; leadership consists of these two fundamental principles; accomplishing the mission and the welfare of others.
"Leadership is influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organization."3
"This is the Army's definition of leadership, the Marines define "improving the organization" as "troop welfare."4 Though I am an Army guy, I like the latter as it puts improving the organization where it belongs, on growth of its people. People fight like they train, thus untrained people do not accomplish the mission well, if at all. Sick, hungry, wounded people deplete your numbers and lack the strength to fight thus the mission potential is not full strength. The mission is important in the Church but so is the welfare of its people, Jesus said it was a principle as important if not more so than the first. Our leader said the world would know us Not by how we "accomplish the mission" but by how we love one another. Not caring for my people is therefore a failure in accomplishing the mission of Christ."5
"Leadership is influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation..."
I can demand people follow me through obedience to authority, or even follow some standard of sacrifice, but if I do not give purpose, motivation, and direction, only condemning others for not living to my standards then I will not influence people in a positive way. What is the difference between sacrifice and mistreatment? where do you draw the line? There should be purpose and motivation, a "buying in" of the vision. What is the opposite? forced labor, mistreatment, slavery... Those who equate the welfare of others in accomplishing the mission distinguish themselves from those who would seek the glory of men over God.
It was a two part trip, for the second part I went into a war zone with another organization and with what I would later be diagnosed with, severe dehydration and walking pneumonia. My strength was zapped when I needed it the most, such was not from God, sick soldiers don't fight so well. A lesson God showed me, the welfare of others is so important in the battle we wage. The English word welfare is from well, "thoroughly, carefully, or soundly" and fare, "to experience good or bad fortune, treatment" it is defined as the well being or good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc., of a person, group, or organization.6 The health of an organization can be said to be its welfare. Most definitions of leadership include the welfare of people in some form.
"... shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;"10
This definition of leadership Peter gives is all about the welfare of the flock. Jesus said there is but one flock and one shepherd.11 Thus a pastor is as Peter writes, is one that tends to the flock, he is not the shepherd, Christ is the shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, this leader feeds the sheep. We see this in the early church which met both the physical and spiritual needs of the people. This word for exercises oversight, is episkopountes, from epi, "on, fitting" and skopeó, "consider, take heed, look intently." I hope you noticed this word again, "consider." A leader who exercises oversight considers the welfare of the people. These who consider equate "the things of themselves" or accomplishing the mission with "considering also the things of each other" or the welfare of others.
"Though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."11
Christ is our example, and leadership is by example. Peter states in his definition of leadership that a leader is one who exercises oversight, which "considers, takes heed, or looks intently" at the welfare of others. Such is not by force, not for personal gain, not exercising lordship over those in charge, but through humility serving, being examples to the flock. Now, I ask where is accomplishing the mission in this definition? Possibly the mission is in exercising oversight itself, the vision is cast then focus is on the building up, the welfare of the people. As Paul writes it is "faith working through love" whereby gifts are applied in the perfection of the church in love.
"I in them and you in me, that they may be perfected in one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."12
This being "perfected in one" is often translated as unity, or oneness, through this the world will know Christ is from God. This know is different than a knowledge of God and is seen in fullness in this oneness in the Church, they experience what is purposed in this unity, "the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me." This word for know is ginóskó, to know, especially through personal experience. Jesus said the world will know we are his disciples by our love for one another, a love we have experienced in Christ, thus this personal experience is reflected to others in that we love one another as Christ loves us. This agape love and this being perfected into one is the greatest evangelistic tools we have. Like rivers of living water flowing forth, in godliness brotherly love is produced and in brotherly love there is agape love.
"Moreover in godliness, brotherly love, moreover in brotherly love, agape love."14
The opposite of the characteristics of a godly leader describes someone who seeks leadership for personal gain, which is often seen in double standards, or using the perks of leadership while the people sacrifice. My first mission trip I woke up in the middle of the night wet, I had to put plastic under me as a moisture barrier. Where were my leaders? Now, I have experienced worse discomforts, I do not complain of such sacrifice nor do I condemn others only to say that leaders who consider the things of others as their own, have such a mindset that if my men sleep on the ground I sleep on the ground with them, such will go a long way in building trust.
Building trust is valuable in improving the welfare of the organization. Looking from the outside of boot camp in the Army some come up with false conclusions. Like instructors yelling at recruits might look like punishment to the outsider, so an emphasis might be placed on authority and obedience. But its purpose is to produce people who can think and act under intense pressure, like that when bullets are flying over your head. Classroom knowledge is applied in hands on exercises where you learn over time to trust the word of this leader, you learn to trust what they are telling you will one day save your life.
Of course the instructors in the military are very aware of the importance of developing trust in men, and how the welfare of their people plays a role. Though often a Master Sergeant an instructor would stand against a higher ranking officer who would interfere with such. I have seen trust destroyed in organizations were leaders refused to stand for their people against some outside authority that would come in and run all over their people. Men will not follow you into battle if you will not stand for them, if you do not show a caring interest in them, and why should they? Oh you say I have this authority from God... Yes, but I trust in God, not in the authority of men.
"Do nothing according to self-interest or according to vain conceit but in humility one another esteeming surpassing themselves."10
Truth is heard and received by trust, such is being applied giving understanding and such application builds confidence, in which men stand, which fuels the accomplishment of things that seem impossible. Good leaders serve in building men not for personal gain. We think of self-interest as that of personal gain through accumulation of worldly goods, but this word for self-interest speaks of a different type, (from eritheuō, "work for hire") – properly, work done merely for hire (as a mercenary), referring therefore to carnal ambition (selfish rivalry). So we see why the welfare of your people is important in developed trust. Such a self-interested military leader would find his men expendable for his career, not a genuine considering of the things of others.
The mission trip I got sick on, self-interest was most obvious, it was obvious the self-interests at work, director of this ministry was being considered while others were not. Sacrificing is not occuring on the same level, and these leaders are not considering these things. Double standards or hypocrisy kills motivation, Jesus said of the Pharisees they do these things because they seek the glory of men. This self-interest is most damaging in the Kingdom of God, often excused away as "perks of leadership," called rewards for obedience, if you are humble and obedient like me, one day you might be exalted. This hypocrisy is like yeast in dough, it leavens the whole lump, and nothing is more damaging to the moral of the organization. When the welfare of the people is overlooked or is insincere, people will become demoralized.
Exercising oversight can be viewed in that of the office of the President. He is appointed by the people, of the people, for the people. You can say the employer of the President is the people. More so is a pastor, of the people, by the people, for the people. Such an office is not for kings and dictators, not a place for dynasties nor legacies to had, but a place to serve the people. When self-interest is put above the people, no longer is he a servant of the people, but like a king who lords over peasants. These are like employees who use business expenses for personal gain. Pastors are obligated to the people and those who indulge in the perks while the people are wanting will destroy trust thus moral. But on the other side genuinely considering the welfare of people is a powerful way to build trust within your organization.
Bearing the burdens of others, such is sacrificial, it is the mindset of Christ, being the law of Christ. Christ would give his life for the people, though a Lord, he served not himself but came to save man, from themselves. Such sacrifice requires one to have the same mindset of Christ, to bear the burden, standing firm, "knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." To use the sacrifice of others for your own personal gain, I can think of no greater betrayal and abuse of the office entrusted. This is the greatest threat that which comes from within. Oh, a Church , that seeks, knows, and possesses the mind of Christ.
Overwhelmed