During a recent podcast episode with Miranda Carls, Rodney asked Miranda to reflect on what it takes to survive and thrive as a believer in the workplace.
Miranda responded with, “There is an active surrender and some action that needs to take place.”
Our conversation with Miranda was focused on the broader context of living out your faith in the workplace, but her point provides great insight for leaders searching for success.
Christian or not, leaders have a responsibility to care for their team. When we nurture a supportive environment, leaders foster trust, motivation, and productivity. Caring leaders take the time to listen, understand, and address their team’s concerns, which builds strong relationships. Ultimately, leaders who genuinely care for their team foster loyalty, engagement, and a positive culture that benefits everyone involved.
Those leaders who claim to be followers of Christ have the added responsibility, and privilege, to model the fruits of the spirit from a place of influence.
Galatians 5:22-26 says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
The simplest of acts, like treating others as we would like to be treated, is a fundamental principle of Christianity. The Fruits of the Spirit express the love, compassion, and empathy that Jesus Christ exemplified in every area of his life. But, this requires an active surrender and some action on behalf of the leader.
When we daily surrender to the Holy Spirit and treat our co-workers as image-bearers of God, we create an environment where trust and unity flourish. And, by extending love and grace to our team members, we emulate the love and grace that God has shown us.
The pressures of leading can create complicated, stressful situations that test you, but therein lies the opportunity to grow. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit on a daily basis will not only grow you as a Christian, it will develop you as a leader.
God expects much from believers that serve in leadership, and the team’s success is connected to the choices their leaders make on a daily basis. Are you surrendering for your team? Are you actively surrendering to God? Doing so will reveal blessings that will build a strong team and even stronger faith.