When my wife and I have ministered in England, we have always tried to arrange a stay in London. We especially enjoy shopping at Selfridge’s and Harrod’s, London’s two leading de-partment stores. H. Gordon Selfridge, who built the great store that bears his name, always claimed that he was a success because he was a leader and not a boss.

The leader says, “Let’s go!” while the boss says, “Go!” The boss knows how it’s done, but the leader shows how it’s done.

The boss inspires fear, the leader inspires enthusiasm based on respect and good will. The boss fixes the blame for the breakdown, while the true leader fixes the breakdown.

This philosophy of management certainly agrees with the Apostle Paul’s philosophy of leadership. As a spiritually mature person, he did not use authority to demand respect, but to command respect.

The life that he lived and the work that he did were his credentials, for it was evident that the hand of God was upon his life. Paul could dare to write, “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).

Verse for today: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15, NIV).

Also read: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:17; 4:8-9; 1 Timothy 4:12; Colossians 1:15-20, 28-29.

Action assignment: What makes a good leader? List three or more characteristics of a few people you consider to be good leaders. What traits do they have in common? Compare their leadership styles to that of the Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul.

No matter who you are, you are influencing those around you. Ask God to help you set the best example you can—influencing others so they want to become Christians.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in