3 Ways To Be A Better Giver: Leaders Are Givers

True leaders are givers. When you think of a great leader in history or even in your personal life I guarantee that they were givers. Think of Jesus. Jesus was constantly giving to others. His miracles always centered around giving to others. He gave through healing, through multiplying food, and much more. He gave through affirmation and encouragement. He gave through empowering His believers. He eventually would give His life away on the cross. Giving doesn’t have to be associated with money. Here is my list of how to be a better giver.

1. Your Time. Leaders should not overlook the value of quality time investment. Spending time with others is a vital investment in their growth and development. Giving your time demonstrates that you value others. However, leaders must balance generosity with prudence, as others may take advantage of their goodwill. Investing time is a powerful leadership approach and a testament to one's commitment.

2. Your Wisdom. Transferring wisdom, guidance, and experience is a powerful way to serve others. Sharing the valuable lessons learned through hard work, setbacks, and experience showcases generosity. Pinpoint those ready to invest in personal growth. It’s important to find individuals ready to listen and learn.

3. Believing in Others. When you demonstrate faith in others, it enhances their self-confidence. Recognizing and nurturing untapped potential in individuals can have a profound impact. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have had several influential leaders who embodied this quality. One such mentor played a pivotal role in launching my leadership journey by inviting me to serve as a guest lecturer at a university, teaching leadership to foreign language postgraduate students. Although I lacked formal certification as a John Maxwell speaker at the time, his confidence in me provided invaluable opportunities to develop my public speaking skills on leadership topics. I hope to continue to build upon the foundation he established, continually refining my leadership and speaking abilities.
   

Two Keys to Finding Your Voice and delivering Your Message

As Christian leaders empowered by the Spirit, we are stewards of the most transformative message in history. The world's hope is found in Jesus Christ, and salvation is solely attainable through His grace. We are commissioned to share this message with the world, a task we approach with dedication at Imprint International. To effectively witness and deliver this message, two critical elements are required: credibility and adding value to others.

Credibility, as discussed in John Maxwell's 'The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication,' is rooted in consistently living out our message. The mantra 'People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it,' coined by Simon Sinek, highlights the importance of authenticity. John Maxwell says, “Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them out day after day.”

The second key involves adding value to others by embracing a balanced approach that values people and avoids extreme or diluted messages. This approach enhances credibility and prepares hearts to receive the gospel.

Two Keys to the Road of Influence

Group of friends

Leadership is influence. If you aren’t influencing others you are not leading anyone. How does the Christian create influence in a world that does not know or love Christ? Jesus gave us the answer: the straight and narrow life is the key to influencing others’ lives.

1. Love and Value All People. The Bible tells us that God sent Christ into the World because He loved the whole world—the Jew, the Gentile, those close to Him, and those who are far off. ( John 3:16-17 ) Jesus died for people you don’t like as much as He died for you. If you want to influence others walk in love as Jesus walked. ( John 13:35 ) Make a point to value others and you will gain favor and influence with them. You might even lead them to Jesus! People will follow people who value people. When you abuse others or use them you will never have an authentic influence on their lives. Have a ‘value others’ mindeset today.

2. Be Authentic. Be authentic with others to lead them. Don’t wear a mask. If you get egg on your face, admit it, apologize, and correct your words or actions. Jesus called out the hypocrites of his day. He modeled honesty and authenticity with others. He never wavered in his true nature. He represented the Father God in all He did and said. ( John 5:19-20 ) He loved everyone at all times even when it was inconvenient. He didn’t come with an attitude though He had rights as the Son of God. He never put on a mask or charade but was the exhibit of the Love of God on display in word, deed and miracle power.

Who Are You Following?

Every leader at some time or another is a follower of someone. That leader might be being groomed or mentored but they are a follower.

Choose wisely, who you are following.

Who are you learning from? What voices are you permitting into your life? Not every voice deserves a microphone or podium in your life. We all watch YouTube and listen to podcasts. Who is influencing you?

This world is in dire need of leadership. Look at the coming American elections, the lines could not be more starkly contrasted. Your vote will decide on two vastly different Americas. Look at the state of the American church. If Paul were alive today the church would be getting a harsh letter. Friends we need better leadership. The world is starving for it. Who are you following, that will help determine your leadership?

The State

What’s your political party? What politician do you listen to? Don’t just follow the “Party line”. We have seen political parties shift drastically over time. Don’t be spoon-fed by a political party. What kind of school do you want for your children? Who is leading them? What influencers are influencing the school boards? Educate your children not to accept whatever comes across their desks. Get involved in your child’s education.

The Church

Read this quote by C.S. Lewis. Does your church sound like this quote?

It is easy to think that the Church has a lot of different objects—education, building, missions, holding services. Just as it is easy to think the State has a lot of different objects—military, political, economic, and what not. But in a way things are much simpler than that. The State exists simply to promote and to protect the ordinary happiness of human beings in this life. A husband and wife chatting over a fire, a couple of friends having a game of darts in a pub, a man reading a book in his own room or digging in his own garden—that is what the State is there for. And unless they are helping to increase and prolong and protect such moments, all the laws, parliaments, armies, courts, police, economics, etc., are simply a waste of time. In the same way the Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose. It is even doubtful, you know, whether the whole universe was created for any other purpose.-C.S. Lewis

Is your church preaching the Bible? Are they leading people to Jesus through repentance? Do they support missions? Do they want you to grow in the Lord? If not…you may need to find a church that does. Who are you following?