Today in our Inspired Leadership Minute I want us to look at Proverbs 16:7: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Like many proverbs, this one is generally true but there are exceptions. When you fulfill the command to love your enemies you will be able to make peace with many, but there will be those that reject you and the peace of the Lord.
Certainly, when you behave in ways that please the Lord, He will care for you in this world or the next, or both.
What does that mean for us as leaders today?
Jesus said in John 15:18 the world hated Him and they will also hate us as believers because they love the world more than the Lord.
Christian leaders, remember that it is our job to please the Lord. It is the Lord’s job to convict the unbeliever. We must please the Lord by demonstrating the love of God to our enemies. Whatever happens in our life and the life of the unbeliever, be at peace, knowing that God is in control!
That’s it for this week’s Inspired Leadership Minute. My prayer is that together we will be the powerful, inspired leaders God intends us to be!
Please leave me a comment and let me know how this week’s Inspired Leadership Minute inspired you!
Proverbs 16:7 makes me think about one of the most important personal qualities- kindness. When we choose to be kind to others, even those who are unkind to us, I believe it both pleases God and enriches our own spirit. Many times over the years my choice to be kind (while not letting people walk over me) eventually won over some difficult people. When I retired, one man who I nearly fired years ago, appeared on my retirement video and said what a “fair” and “kind” man I had been. Further validation for the wisdom of Proverbs 16:7. Thanks Ron!
John,
I have seen the experience you describe play out many times over the years. We may never know the impact of our actions (even with the “difficult” ones), but I’m sure loving the unlovable pleases God.
I think the trickier thing is knowing when to “turn the other cheek” and when to not let people walk over you.