Resolute Leadership

Recently, I was preaching at an event exploring what it means to be resolute as a leader. It’s a word that appears in the Bible from time to time. For example…

Daniel 1:8 “But Daniel resolved (other versions write ‘Daniel purposed in his heart’) not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.”

Luke 9:51 “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”

Both these resolute moments came at the start of what then became the most challenging, scary and crazy moments in both Daniel and Jesus’ life.

The dictionary definition of resolute is ‘to be purposeful, determined, and unwavering’.

A resolute leader has conviction and courage to act, even in the face of uncertainty and risk.

I’m convinced that, right now, our resolute leadership matters more than ever.

The truth is, in these uncertain times, it would be so easy to surrender rather than stand. It would be easier to bow to pressure, politics or people rather than hold fast to our convictions. BUT that is not the Jesus way, and it’s not the Kyria way.

In fact we have a great cloud of witnesses – men and women – who encourage us to think and be resolute in our faith, and resolute in our leadership.

People like Paul, who resolved to stay faithful to his calling to bring the good news of Jesus to many nations, even in the midst of a life of persecution and suffering.

People like Ruth, who resolved to remain committed to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, even if it meant she may never be married again.

People like Nehemiah, who resolved to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days, despite the constant threats of violence and accusation from his enemies.

People like Deborah, who resolved to lead the charge to war, despite the cultural opposition to women in leadership.

People like John the Baptist, who resolved to speak the truth to power, even though it cost him his head.

People like Mary Magdalene, who resolved to serve the buried Jesus, despite the expectation of a face-off with Roman guards.

And so on! And, of course, people like you and I who have our own resolute stories.

So as we look to Jesus, our greatest example and resolute leader, we humbly remember that He did not shrink back from His mission, despite severe suffering, opposition, and humiliation.

In Jerusalem, Jesus would face arrest, torture, and agonizing death. But with trust in God the Father to help and defend Him before His enemies, Jesus set off firmly and unflinchingly, committed to finish His mission.

God wants us – as people, churches, leaders and followers – to be resolute, ‘to be purposeful, determined, and unwavering’.

How?

I want to offer 8 thoughts that spell out “resolute” to help us on our own resolute leadership journey

Remember your mission

Engage your heart

Stretch your life and leadership

Overcome fear

Listen to conviction

Understand the times

Throw off offence

Embody community

1 Pet 4:1 “Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, equip yourselves also with the same resolve—because the one who suffered in the flesh has finished with sin”

Yes and Amen!