Leadership, Part 2

In I Tim.2 Paul begins a lengthy section on male leadership. (This doesn’t mean that women can’t be leaders. There are simply differences in where and how that leadership is expressed.) But how should this male leadership be exercised? “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” (I Tim.2:8) Paul said that the proper expression of leadership begins with prayer.

What normally happens when there are conflicts? Paul explained that we are to pray “without anger or disputing” because he knew our tendencies in conflict. Letting our anger flare and jumping into the fray, we try to persuade, argue, explain, justify. We want it our way and we want it now!

“Stop teasing your brother!”
“Can’t we have a little peace and quiet around here?!”
“No, I was not upset! What makes you think I was upset?!”
"Can't you handle a little correction?"

Biblical leadership is not heavy on commands or demands. It is heavy on service. And what better way to serve others than by praying for them?

Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus put an emphasis on prayer (Mk.1:35-39) -- he even thought it more important than sleep! (Ouch! It is painful to reflect on how important sleep is to me.) Prayer was also a higher priority than ministry or other’s agendas.

Our world desperately needs men whose first response to conflict is to lift their hearts to God’s throne, releasing their attempts to control situations and seeking God’s guidance and strength. “Lord, help me to see this conflict as you do. Help me see my own role in this conflict accurately. Help me not to become defensive. Help me not look for excuses. Help me not to act before I have heard from you and given you time to work.”