Part 3 – The Strong Leader

NOTE: This is part 3 in a 4-part series. Be sure to read Part 1 (Introduction) and Part 2 (The Surrendered Leader) before you continue.

So far in this series of articles we have discussed the distinct roles of men and women according to God’s plan, and the importance of men taking the lead, first by surrendering to God in repentance and faith for salvation, then continuing in a daily death to self, a consistent yielding to the authority and leadership of God on a personal level, that makes it possible for the man to lead his home and others with righteousness and truth. These truths are the foundation of what makes a man a strong leader.

Before we discuss exactly what a strong leader looks like, it is important to note that God’s design for a strong man is not meant to minimize or diminish His design for a strong woman. Ladies would do well to study Proverbs 31, and similar Scriptures to be encouraged of their indispensable value to God, and to men of God. Further, God’s purpose for the man of God does not include a violent, aggressive or hateful attitude toward those whose lifestyle is contrary to what we understand as the truth of Scripture. Lord help us if we don’t have the kind of love it takes to approach EVERY lost soul with an attitude that says, “I want to listen and understand.” And Lord helps us if we don’t have the kind of wisdom it takes to genuinely listen (even if we’re cringing inside), so that the Holy Spirit can direct us to the words that will reach that individual with a Gospel that is real and personal.

So what exactly is a strong leader? Back in 1 Corinthians 16:13 He is described as one who stands watch, and one who “stands fast”.

A strong leader stands watch, on behalf of those in his charge, against anything that would do damage to the heart, soul or mind. As a man, God has called me to guard, not just my own heart, but that of my wife, my children, my church, and even my pastor. I do this by abiding with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. John chapter 15 gives us direct instructions on how to abide in God’s Word and prayer, and how to have the love of God abiding in us. If we follow these instructions we cannot help but love God with all that we are, and love the brethren. We will build strong friendships with godly men, and be open to the concept of “iron sharpening Iron” from Proverbs 27:17. We will also love the lost enough to actively stand watch over our sphere of influence, and seek opportunities to reach those souls with the Gospel.

A strong leader also “stands fast,” according to the principles found in Ephesians 6:10-18. Verse 13 tells us to take on “the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” This means to do everything necessary in order to stand. Men, we are to fight the good fight against impossible odds. On one hand, the deck is stacked against us, because according to verse 12, “We wrestle not against flesh and blood”. We have an enemy who wants to devour and destroy us. He wants to destroy our families, devour our children, divide our churches and disarm our pastors. We must take a stand, but we cannot stand fast on our own power. The other hand is the hand of God, standing in our place. Sometimes standing fast means get on your knees and fight like a man! Pray like you are the only one praying.

This is what it means to be a 1 Corinthians 16:13 man. This is what it means to “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” This is what it means to be secure in your strength as a leader. Then you will have the power to follow the directions in the next verse (1 Corinthians 16:14), and “Let all your things be done with charity.” We will discuss this further in Part 4.