A few days ago, we began discussing The God Factor in your Leadership. One of the key points emphasized was that every leader needs God, regardless of how brilliant, wealthy, or accomplished they may seem. Most successful leaders we read about in the Scriptures, in one way or another, relied on God to finish well. Those who ignored God's divine guidance and wisdom did not end well. In the first part of this series, we explored the importance of leaders seeking wisdom and divine guidance from God.

In this second part of the series, we are looking at why leaders must lead in and with purpose. Leading with Purpose is one of the defining characteristic of leaders who embody the God Factor. Jesus said: “...Behold I have come in the volume of the book it is written of me to do your will, O God.” (Hebrews 10:7). For these leaders, their roles are not simply positions of authority or responsibility; they are seen as divinely ordained callings imbued with significant meaning and purpose. This profound sense of purpose shapes their leadership style and influences how they engage with everyone and everything that is identified with their leadership. Leaders who recognize their roles as divinely appointed operate with a heightened awareness of the responsibility that comes with leadership. It is from this understanding that Jesus responded to the mother of Zebedee’s sons in Mathew 20:22: “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

They understand that their influence extends beyond their immediate environment, impacting the lives of others in ways that can contribute to the greater good. This awareness instills a sense of accountability to God and to those they lead. They are committed to fulfilling their responsibilities with integrity, striving to reflect the values of their faith in every decision and action. This commitment often manifests in a relentless pursuit of excellence, as they seek to honor their calling and the trust placed in them by both God and their followers. This divine perspective also provides a framework for decision-making. Leaders guided by the God Factor are motivated by a mission that transcends personal gain or recognition. Their decisions are informed by a desire to align with God’s will, considering how their actions will affect others and contribute to the well-being of those they are leading. This focus on purpose enables them to navigate complex situations with clarity and conviction. They are less likely to be swayed by fleeting trends or superficial metrics of success; instead, they remain anchored in their mission, prioritizing long-term impact over short-term gains.

The clarity of purpose that comes from recognizing their divine calling also fosters inspiration and motivation among their followers. When leaders communicate their purpose effectively, it resonates with others, creating a shared vision that invites participation and commitment. People are drawn to leaders who possess a clear sense of direction and who articulate their vision with passion and conviction. This ability to inspire others is rooted in the authenticity of their purpose, as followers can sense the genuine commitment to a higher calling. Leaders who lead with purpose create a culture of alignment and engagement, where team members feel valued and motivated to contribute to the shared mission.

Furthermore, the sense of purpose derived from the God Factor provides leaders with resilience during challenges. Joseph said to Potiphar’s wife: “There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). When faced with obstacles or setbacks, these leaders can draw upon their deeper sense of mission to persevere. They understand that challenges are part of the journey, and their commitment to fulfilling their divine purpose helps them remain focused and determined. This resilience is contagious, inspiring their teams to adopt a similar mindset. When followers see their leaders navigating difficulties with steadfast faith and unwavering commitment, they are encouraged to do the same, creating a collective spirit of perseverance and hope. In Joshua 1:16-18, the people said to Joshua:

“...All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. ¹⁷ Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses. ¹⁸ Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.”

Moreover, leading with purpose fosters a culture of service and compassion. Leaders who understand the God Factor are often driven by a desire to serve others, seeing their leadership as an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of those they lead. This service-oriented mindset encourages them to prioritize the needs of their teams, communities, and stakeholders. As they embody compassion and empathy, they cultivate an environment where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to contribute their best efforts. This not only enhances team morale but also strengthens relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

In conclusion, leaders who embody the God Factor lead with a profound sense of purpose that shapes their approach to leadership. They view their roles as divinely ordained callings, which instill a sense of responsibility, accountability, and authenticity. This perspective informs their decision-making, inspires their followers, fosters resilience in the face of challenges, and cultivates a culture of service. By leading with purpose, these leaders not only fulfill their divine mission but also inspire others to join them in creating meaningful change, resulting in a lasting impact that transcends individual achievements.

Thanks for the gift of your time, Obayomi Abiola Benjamin!
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