I wanted my leaders to desire more of God since I noticed several of them unintentionally taking a vacation from God during the summer months. While I fully support the need for rest and relaxation, I was determined to fight against the culture of our leaders slipping into a “spiritual slumber.” We were going to grow as leaders intentionally pursuing God’s presence through His Word. But how? I didn’t have a specific method, and I wasn’t sure where to start. 

That’s where the journey began for me personally before it ever impacted another leader. God quietly prompted me to read one chapter of Proverbs each day for a month. Day after day I read and learned clear lessons about leadership throughout each chapter of Proverbs; how to develop myself, how to develop others, how to avoid certain people and how to invest in those worthwhile, how to resolve conflict, how to be a good listener and much more. Reading this book through the lenses of leadership was a fresh approach for me, and it turned out to be the same for many of my local church leaders. Below are just a few I discovered:

Leaders Understand Their Identity, Heritage, Legacy and Calling

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel.” (Proverbs 1:1, NIV)

Many leaders will skim past this verse since it appears to be a simple introduction. However, this one verse actually reveals identity, heritage, legacy and calling. The phrase “the proverbs of Solomon” shows that he had his own individual identity from God, and so do you. You need to realize that you are a unique masterpiece, and never again will God create someone exactly like you. Solomon was also the “son of David,” which identifies the heritage which he came from and the legacy that he will pass on. Honoring those who have come before us (our heritage) by creating an environment of blessing for those who come after us (our legacy) is a sign of great wisdom. “King of Israel” was Solomon’s calling by God. If we know who we are in Christ, where we have come from and who is coming after us, then fulfilling God’s calling in our life will make all the difference in the world. 

Ask the Lord this question, “Who am I in You?” Next, write the names of people from previous generations, whether relatives or not, who have positively impacted your life. Also, write names of people in future generations, whether relatives or not, whose lives you are currently impacting through your leadership. Finally, ask God to define what He is calling you to do in this season of your life.

Leading with Real Impact is Messy

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes abundant harvests.” (Proverbs 14:4, NIV)

The New Living Translation says that “without oxen a stable stays clean.” That’s nice for the one who cleans the manger, but not for the farmer, his family, the other animals and the community, who all depend on the farmer’s harvest to survive. The farmer is working for an abundant harvest. He needs lots of strong oxen to bring in this size of harvest. Lots of oxen mean lots of messes in the stable.

If we, as leaders, truly want an abundant harvest, then we have to be willing to deal with and clean up lots of messes. If you are interested in a nice, neat, clean life and ministry, you won’t make an impact on many people, but your manger will be spotless. If you desire to see a true harvest, you have to be willing to work with addicts, the homeless and those who are not easily accepted by others. Your manger will need cleaning quite often, but you will also be the one who reaps the reward of a bountiful harvest.

It’s your choice. What are you going to do? In what areas of your life are you being too safe, simply trying to keep them clean? How can you step out of your comfort zone in the next twenty-four hours and put yourself in a situation that may lead to a mess? Just remember, that mess may also lead to an abundant harvest!

Leaders Let the Lord Establish Them

“Don’t demand an audience with the king or push for a place among the great. It’s better to wait for an invitation to the head table than to be sent away in public disgrace.” (Proverbs 25:6–7, NLT)

The best lesson I’ve learned so far in Christian leadership is to get out of the way and allow the Lord to establish me in current and future positions. Trying to earn a promotion, a better job, or recognition usually ends up in disaster. It is much more fruitful to do the very best you can with your current responsibilities and allow the Lord to promote you in his timing. We don’t need to force open doors of opportunity before God opens them. We don’t need to build our résumé to get noticed. God already notices us. We don’t need to worry about what position or title we hold since God will accomplish what He wants to no matter what our business card says.

If you are getting anxious in your current position, please do not try to force the hand of someone else, but rather wait patiently for the hand of God to establish and promote you. What situations in your life can you take a step back from and let the Lord take control?

There are many more leadership lessons and principles throughout Proverbs. It’s now your turn to search for these treasures as you allow God’s Word to teach you and train you. I will never approach the book of Proverbs the same way again. After reading just a few principles that were discovered, I hope you too will never approach this book the same way either.