Biblical Principles For Motivating People Study Guide

9. Biblical Principles and Spiritual Dynamics for Motivating People

According to Daniel, God controls both the times and seasons of all leadership; raising up one and removing another in their time (Daniel 2:21). Paul affirms this proclamation in his letter to the Romans with a caution to “be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1). Since all authority and leadership has its origin in God, it is natural that we should find biblical principles as the underpinning of many leadership and organizational motivation philosophies.

Biblical Principles for Motivation

In their book, Spiritual Leadership, Blackaby and Blackaby (2001) observe a growing

In Good to Great, Collins (2001) describes the eight key components for moving a company from good to great. The first, Level 5 Leadership depicts a humble individual while passionate about their responsibilities. Someone unafraid to endure every hardship to carry out the task at hand and preparing their successors for success. It is unclear whether Collins had Paul’s words in mind when he wrote this description, but it is easy enough to hear the similarity in Paul’s description of the character and mind of Christ throughout his letters; he humbled himself and became obedient to death, he is working you to fulfill his purpose (Philippians 2:6-8,

95). He suggests such actions as listening to others, showing concern for their hopes and fears, and helping them when possible. Returning, again, to Paul’s letters we find comparable instructions for Christian leaders; value others above yourselves (Philippians 2:3), celebrate with people who are happy and cry with people who are sad (Romans 12:15), and help those in trouble (Galatians 6:2). Whether Adair would appreciate the comparison or not, he is describing principles bound within the DNA of leadership and motivation, the kingship of Jesus