She knew that look. Just last week she had given it herself during a meeting to a challenging team member. This time, though, she was on the receiving end from her pastor as he disagreed about her ministry’s next step.
As leaders, we know how complex the calling can be, especially when there’s one who struggles to follow our direction.
But how often do we consider if we are that challenging team member? Does our leader perhaps view us as difficult?
Even King David realized he had blind spots. In Psalm 19:12 he prayed, “Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.”
How can we know if we’re perceived as a difficult team player? One way is to examine the posture of our heart toward our pastor or ministry leadership. Let’s prayerfully reflect on the following questions, asking the Lord to help us discern whether or not we’re a joy to lead.
Do I pray regularly for my ministry leadership?
By praying for others, we demonstrate a desire to see God do good things for and through that person.
Of course, if we’re hesitant to pray for our leadership, it could be that we secretly hope good things won’t come their way. If that’s the case, chances are we’re not coming to team meetings with a spirit of unity or cooperation.
Placing our leaders before the Father in prayer not only benefits the leaders, but it also softens our heart as we begin to embrace all the good things God has planned for them.
Do I trust my leader’s heart for the Lord and leadership vision?
“Love believes all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) If we trust our leadership actively walks with the Lord, we will feel privileged to serve under their leadership and fully support the vision.
But if something seems amiss, we may not be as willing to wholly submit ourselves to their oversight. We may even create some unwelcome pushback.
Only God knows our leader’s heart. Let’s be as trusting and gracious as possible, believing God can use our respectfulness to influence him or her toward deeper authenticity.
Do I speak well of my leadership to others?
Jesus said the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. (Luke 6:45)
Do we mention our thankfulness for our leaders, or are our words mostly complaining in nature? Do we typically reference their faults or their strengths?
If we notice a pattern of negativity, this may signal we’re not a very helpful team member. Let’s ask God to make us aware of our speech and change our hearts.
Do I willingly submit to the leadership, even when it’s hard?
Nothing brings out our true colors like being told no.
When the leadership nixes our brilliant idea, do we inwardly turn sour and outwardly make rebuttals? Or do we smile and move forward, continually entrusting ourselves to Jesus who is sovereign over every decision?
Ladies, by God’s grace, let’s build the reputation of being a joy to those in authority by respectfully following their lead and trusting the Father.
We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you
and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
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