Leadership: Peaceable & Gentle

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:17 (NKJV)

These three 20th-century leaders, Mahatma Gandhi (India), Martin Luther King, Jr. (America), and Nelson Mandela (South Africa)... changed not just their own countries, but the world!

  • Each confronted historic prejudice and what seemed to be OVERWHELMING odds. Each fought long and hard for freedom– and won! 

  • Each met age-old hatred with full-on love, bondage with patience, and warfare with peace. As their nations changed, fame overtook them. Yet they always remained servant-leaders.

Now, let’s consider their Predecessor: Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, described as 'Gentle and humble in heart' (Matthew 11:29).

  • He redefined love: 'For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life' (John 3:16).

  • He redefined hate: 'Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him' (1 John 3:15).

  • He redefined chains: 'You are slaves of the one you obey– whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness' (Romans 6:16).

  • He redefined waiting: 'He continued in subjection to them' (Luke 2:51).

  • He redefined war: 'But I say to you, love your enemies...' (Matthew 5:44).

  • He redefined peace: 'My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives' (John 14:27).

    Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

You’re God’s 21st-century leaders in film, fashion, music, and theatre: our modern world’s most influential fields.

You don't look or act like other leaders, because you look and act like THE Leader.

(NOTE: Your best effort is all Jesus asks:)

Leadership: Peaceable & Gentle (Part 16)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God–  to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.

WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban