Our Habits Impact Our Influence
by John Houston
When we talk about Christian leadership, who better to learn from than Jesus, the most influential leader ever? Even though he only led publicly for three short years, his words and actions still impact us today.
When you picture Jesus, what do you see? I imagine Him dressed humbly, walking slowly through crowds, often taking detours or showing up “late,” hanging out with the “wrong” people and offering forgiveness freely and quickly. Jesus didn’t care about getting ahead or gaining popularity. He encountered people one by one, often trying to get away from the crowds. Jesus attracted people with His love and actions.
He even gives us a simple way to identify good leaders:
You can identify them by their fruit,
that is, by the way they act...
A good tree produces good fruit,
and a bad tree produces bad fruit.
A good tree can’t produce bad fruit,
and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.
You can identify a tree by its fruit,
so you can identify people by their actions.
(Matthew 7:16-18, 20 NLT)
Let me share a personal story. I went through a series of events that really opened my eyes to some weak areas in my life. I’d finished Bible college, learned to pray and listen to God, got married, and worked with the youth in our church. But even after years of following Christ, I still struggled with anger (among other things). I had parts of me that I didn’t like and definitely didn’t look like Jesus.
I realized people would never see me as a man of God or a strong leader if I kept bursting out in rage. I had to change if I was ever going to impact my family and co-workers for Christ.
God’s transformational power in our lives isn’t revealed in words alone. The difference in our hearts through His grace must change the way we think and be obvious through our actions.
I prayed for a long time for God to search my heart. Change comes slowly. Even now, certain things will trigger my temper. I can feel it rising inside of me, and I’ve mostly learned to take myself out of those situations immediately. Mostly.
The apostle Paul wrote, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:19 NLT)
But there is hope for Paul, for me, and for you: “Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 7:24b-25 NLT)
Maybe anger isn’t your issue. Is it greed? Lust? Pride? Whatever it is, God wants you to know He loves you unconditionally and wants to help you change. First, He shows His love, and because of that great love, He shows us our weak areas and gives us the strength to overcome them.
Here are a few habits that have helped me:
Spend Regular Time with God
I have a daily appointment on my calendar to study the Bible and pray. This helps make sure I don’t get too busy or distracted. I don’t want to rush and miss the opportunity for Christ to love me and teach me. Prayer and scripture are essential for my life and leadership.
Surround Yourself with Godly People
I need prayerful, humble people around me who keep me grounded in the Bible and speak the truth to me—even when it’s hard to hear. Staying connected is important. These can be family, co-workers, or a small group at church.
Belong to a Community
I have to belong to a group of Christ followers. This can be in your local church, neighborhood, or workplace. As a Christ follower, you are the church. Have a close group that challenges you to grow and use your leadership gifts. Worship and biblical teaching lift me up and remind me of God’s great love and my identity as His son.
When we’re open to God’s love and correction, He guides us in becoming more like Him. God is patient and loving in His guidance, and He helps us lead ourselves and others well.