Spirit-Led Leadership

7-25-2011 by Boyd Bailey

Spirit-Led Leadership


“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:14-16, NKJV).

Spirit-led leadership is not intimidated by the fear of man; rather it is motivated by the fear of God. Unfounded fear drives the flesh to make misinformed, even disastrous decisions. But the Holy Spirit shows unselfish seekers direction: as a son or daughter they cry out—“Abba (Father) Father”—in utter dependence on their heavenly Father.

They recognize that Almighty God has adopted them into His forever family of hope, love and holiness. Institutions give a certificate of adoption to loving parents on earth, but the Holy Spirit seals the Lord’s adopted now and for evermore with His grace and care. Gratitude gushes from the heart of God’s children to affectionately cry out Abba, Abba!

“Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing” (Ezekiel 13:3)!

How do you process uncertainty? Do you recoil into your shell of aloneness—like a frightened turtle, or do you stick out your neck and seek the truth from trusted advisors? The mind’s palate needs cleansing by Christ, so it’s able to taste truth. In humility ask the Spirit to purify your motives and clarify your course of action—then wait until He does so.

Submission to Christ means getting under the mission of Jesus. It follows the leadership of the Lord and is not delusional in trying to lead the Lord. Peace of mind, patience and love are by-products enjoyed by leaders who are led by the Holy Spirit. In the middle of stress, servant leaders are able to trust and depend on their Master Jesus—Will we?

“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1John 4:1).

Are you secure in your leadership style as a servant leader? Can you be yourself without talking and acting like your predecessor or an admired peer? Do not apologize for your unique leadership style or for the unconventional process the Spirit leads your life. Go with His revelation, even if it leads to revolution—for many times His ways are radical. Be a Spirit-led leader who trusts boldly, who loves wholly and who serves assertively!

“For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law” (Galatians 5:17-18, NASB).

Where is the Spirit leading me to serve that requires much faith and instant obedience?

Related Readings: 1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalms 119:129-136; Luke 4:1; Acts 9:17