MEASURING UP TO GOD’S STANDARD FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

God has a standard. And those who are following Him must queue up to it, if the work will be done as He wants it. You must know that the ways of the world is; and can never be the ways of God. Since He is the one who called you by saying – “Follow Me and I will MAKE YOU… (Mark 1:17). Your making it in leadership is dependent on how you can adhere to His standard. That means, to do great work, or build His people effectively in leadership, will be simpler if only you can measure up to His requirement, which is not ambiguous. In fact, Bible confirm this: “His law (commandment, principle) are not grievous – 1 John 5:3. God will never compromise His Standard. You are the one that must step up for Him to use you, according to your willingness to abide by His rule.

WHAT IS STANDARD
Standard, is the level that is considered to be acceptable for something to be done. It is a guiding principle for strict enforcement of required measurement, which will become a pattern that can comply with any code of practice.

By this, it does mean Biblically that "standard" refers to an accepted criterion of measurement for length or capacity of a thing, as we see in 2 Chron. 3:3. In this case, it will be criteria for judgment of character, acceptance, behavior, or worth in leadership. Therefore, to walk or work with God must be with the intention to also follow Him duly; and abide by always by His measurement, as may be reflected in the instructions He passes across for His work to be done effectively, at any time. Specifically, God instructed Moses to build His work by maintaining standard He laid down. “ And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it” (Ex 25:8-9).

Still in Ezek. 45:9-12, God declared the measurement that will conform to what He expected those who lead in the administration of justice. He always knows what He wants; how He wants it and why. King Solomon was wiser to carefully built God’s house and lead His people by prescribed standard (1 Chron. 6; 1 kings 3:4-14,6:1-2). If he had not followed the standard laid down by God for His house to be built; Solomon would have been done away with just as his father David.

DANGER OF NOT MEASURING UP TO STANDARD
Organizations all over the world are always mindful of the work or project they do; and how it must be done in order to have a lasting structure. Things that are done without respect for standard usually do no last. For example, goods produced in the factory without standard quality control can never compete for advantage in the market. Because of this, manufacturing companies spend hundred of millions to equip their Quality Control Unit (QCU), so that they maintain standard in their production. Likewise, for a leader to do well in leadership a measurement of requirement is needed to be able attain God’s standard.

HOW TO MEASURE UP TO GOD’S STANDARD
Working for God is the most beautiful and sweetest experience anyone can have in a life time. But working for Him without clear understanding of what He wants and how He wants it can be traumatic and frustrating. Leaders, who do not understand God and how He works, will continue to suffer in leadership. Having understood these, there is a need here to make clear God’s standard that can enhance leadership work.

1. The standard of Service
Ability to serve others is the quickest way to get work done in leadership; and it promote faster than any paper qualification. David was serving in the bush before God considered him for the throne in the city. Anyone who disregards service can not go far in leadership. To God, the way to the top, starts from the bottom.

2. The standard of Character
General Schwartzkopf, a former U.S army general said, “Leadership is a combination of strategy and Character. If you must be without one, be without strategy. Leaders are failing today – be it in ministry; politics; industry; academic or governance, because they lack character. Without character, you will travel so slowly and lonely in life. God considers character seriously.

3. The standard of Intercession
Prayer is entreating and engaging God to intervene in matters beyond human wisdom, strength and comprehension. It is very essential to survive in leadership because whatever is worth worrying about is worth praying about.

4. The standard of Humility
The more humble you are; the more people you will attract. Proud people are usually discarded by God to be used of; so they force their way into leadership work. God value humility and it is a major measurement for anyone wishing to do His work. Humble leaders attract more grace but proud people attract trouble and rejection, both from man and God.

5. The standard of Influence
It is a common fact that rulers use force; but a leader that wants to be effective will use influence. It is the ability to work with; and move people without using using force. To be effective in leadership, do away with the use of blackmail in order to get people to your side. The influence of David(the Sheppard boy), was enough to sway people’ sentiment in his favour against King Saul.