Leading Confidently

We took the month of March to remind ourselves that the heartbeat of Activ8Her is to Activ8 and empower women to connect in relationships and develop courageous faith. This week we’d like to share a little about our third foundation – build confidence in leadership.

One of the definitions of confidence according to Merriam-Webster is, “a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances.” That’s not exactly the confidence we’re after, however.

In God’s economy humility and serving are leadership principles that put God on display. It was Jesus who modeled this type of leadership for us when He knelt and washed the disciples feet (John 13). Paul explained in his letter to the Philippians of how Christ “humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, NLT). Jesus was the One who had to explain to the boys that “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else” (Mark 9:35, NLT).

Jesus was an influencer. He was confident in His identity and in His purpose. Now, it is our turn. The world is seeking influencers – it’s all the rage, these days. What fruit is your influence producing? Are you leading those around you closer to Jesus? Do they see your love for Him? Do you love others through sacrificial service for His glory instead of your own?

So, the Activ8Her translation of Merriam-Webster’s definition might read, “a feeling or consciousness of God’s powers working through you or of reliance on God in all circumstances as you serve others.” The more aware we become of our identity in Christ the deeper our reliance on Him will be. As we allow His power to work through us to live according to His standard our love for others flows from His heart. When we are able to adjust where our confidence is found we will be willing to serve others just as He did.

God is on the lookout for those who will influence others through a confidence that is found in Christ instead of pride that comes from self. This is the heartbeat of Activ8Her as she seeks to develop confident leadership.