The Leadership Triangle

UV 2107/10000 The Leadership Triangle
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
2 Timothy 1 v 7

The leadership triangle of power, of love and of a sound mind or self discipline replaces the erstwhile spirit of fear in us. Our natural tendency is to fear. The power to overcome fear comes from God. He imparts the Spirit of might, of counsel and of the more wholesome fear of God. He gives us the strength to run and to finish the good race of life well. The leadership triangle consists of power or ability, of love or character and of self discipline. The Lord pours His strength or grace in the areas of our weakness and imparts His glorious power in the areas of our strength. The Holy Spirit enabled the impulsive and emotional as well as undependable Peter the grace to overcome in the areas of his weakness. He also enabled the spiritually blinded fanatical, one track mind Saul to see and experience the transforming power of the risen Saviour Jesus. He enabled Peter who feared arrest and a cruel death by crucifixion like Jesus to overcome his fear of death and to lay down his life eventually as a martyr. He enabled Peter who did not want to reach out to the Gentiles or non Jews with the love of Christ to do so. He broke through mental and emotional barriers and taboos of social interaction.

Fear holds us back from sharing the love of God with others. Fear holds us back from utilising all our talents and abilities for the glory of God. Fear of a lack of resources keeps us from trusting the Lord for our provision. Fear of our past haunts us in the form of guilt. Fear of the uncertainties of the future keeps us from taking risks or decisions. Fear keeps us from growing strong and mature in faith. But perfect love casts out all fear. Our love for the Lord needs to be perfected or established by the Holy Spirit who knows what exactly holds us back.

Faith does not mean a suspension of all our mental faculties but a fuller and more balanced use of our God-given wisdom and understanding. We need to discipline ourselves, our appetite, our attitudes and our habits. The Lord promises to help us or give us grace or strength to do so. The fear of God keeps us from all evil while the love of God keeps us on the path of goodness and positivity. The One who inhabits us helps us deal with our inhibitions.

Prateep V Philip