Daily Bible Plan - Day 35

17 March 2025

This bible plan was created by Nicky and Pippa Gumbal.

Prayer of the Day:

Lord, thank You for the privilege of influence. Help me to lead with integrity, humility, and compassion. Strengthen me to be an example that points others to You. Guide me in wisdom and truth so that my leadership reflects Your heart. Amen.

Seven Characteristics of a Good Leader

Leadership is influence. John C. Maxwell notes that even the most isolated individual will influence thousands of people in a lifetime. Jesus Himself said, ‘There is only one Life-Leader for you… Christ’ (Matthew 23:10, MSG). Yet, every Christian is called to lead in some capacity—through example, guidance, and service. Leadership is a privilege, but it comes with great responsibility.

Biblical Foundations & Key Messages

1. Confidence in God (Psalm 18:25–36)

David was a great leader because he placed his confidence not in himself, but in God:

• God gives strength: ‘With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall’ (v.29).

• God provides protection: ‘He is a shield for all who take refuge in him’ (v.30).

• God offers guidance: ‘You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light’ (v.28).

  
  

Application: True leadership begins with dependence on God. Seek His protection, strength, and guidance in every step.

2. Character Over Status (Matthew 23:1–39)

Jesus confronted the hypocrisy of religious leaders who sought recognition rather than righteousness. He challenges leaders to embody:

• Integrity: ‘They do not practise what they preach’ (vv.3–4). True leaders lead by example.

• Authenticity: ‘Everything they do is done for others to see’ (v.5). Real leadership is about who you are in private, not just in public.

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• Humility: ‘For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted’ (v.12). Seek to elevate Jesus, not yourself.

  
  

Application: Leadership is not about position but about character. Walk in humility and authenticity, ensuring your private life aligns with your public example.

3. Vision and Focus (Matthew 23:16–24)

Leaders must have a clear vision and a sharp focus:

• Avoid small-mindedness: Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for being legalistic while missing the bigger picture (vv.16–22).

• Focus on what truly matters: ‘The more important matters… justice, mercy, and faithfulness’ (v.23).

  
  

Application: Ask God for a vision greater than yourself and the discipline to stay focused on His priorities.

4. Compassionate Leadership (Matthew 23:13–15, 37)

Jesus denounced leaders who burdened others rather than lifting them up:

• Welcome others in: ‘You shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces’ (v.13). Leaders should open doors, not close them.

• Show love and care: Jesus’ heart breaks for Jerusalem—He longs to gather its people ‘as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings’ (v.37).

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Application: Lead with love and an open heart. Make leadership about serving others, not about personal gain.

5. Generosity Over Self-Indulgence (Matthew 23:25–28)

Jesus condemns leaders whose outward appearance does not match their inner life:

• Live with purity: ‘First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean’ (v.26).

• Align inner and outer life: ‘On the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy’ (v.28).

  
  

Application: Be the same person in private as you are in public. Let generosity and sincerity define your leadership.

6. Handling Criticism (Job 33:1–34:37)

Rick Warren states, ‘Criticism is the cost of influence.’ Job, a leader in his time, faced constant, unfair criticism from his so-called friends:

• Expect criticism: ‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight’ (34:35).

• Do not let unjust words define you: Elihu, though young and inexperienced, presumed to ‘teach wisdom’ to Job (33:33).

  
  

Application: Leadership attracts criticism. Learn to discern constructive feedback from destructive judgment, and remain steadfast in your calling.

Overall Takeaway

• Trust in God’s strength: Leadership is not about self-reliance but divine dependence.

• Cultivate integrity and humility: A leader’s influence comes from character, not titles.

• Stay focused on what matters: Justice, mercy, faithfulness, and generosity are the hallmarks of godly leadership.

• Expect opposition: Criticism is inevitable, but perseverance is key.

  
  

Lord, help me to lead with integrity, wisdom, and love. Keep my focus on Your priorities, and strengthen me to handle criticism with grace. Let my leadership reflect Your heart, drawing others closer to You. Amen.d walk in Your wisdom. Let my friendship with You shape every part of my life. Amen.