Don't Waste Your Leadership

“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:” – 1 Thessalonians 2:1

In 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul opens the chapter by essentially saying, “When I came to you, I didn’t waste my time, and I didn’t waste yours.” Leadership is a stewardship; you either invest it wisely or squander it. Some leaders are like a bad GPS: lots of talking, minimal direction, and when they’re done, you’re more lost than when you started.

We can learn from Paul’s example how to lead in such a way that, when it’s all said and done, you can look back and say, “It was not in vain.”

I. He Was Genuine as a Steward

“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak…” - 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Leadership is not ownership; it’s stewardship. You don’t own the people you lead; you serve them under God’s authority. Paul viewed his leadership as something God “put in trust” to him. That means you are accountable to God for how you use it.

“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.” – Max De Pree

A leader who forgets he is a steward will soon treat people like possessions instead of souls. We are reminded of this truth in, 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” and Luke 12:48, “…unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”

Stewardship means taking care of something that’s not yours, like when you borrow a friend’s car. If you give it back with the gas tank empty, the back seat full of fries, and a mysterious smell, you failed stewardship!

II. He Was Gentle as a Mother

“…we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Strong leaders can still be softhearted. Gentleness isn’t weakness; it’s strength under control. Paul compared his leadership to a nursing mother who is tender, patient, and deeply invested in the well-being of those in her care.

“They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Leadership without gentleness is tyranny; leadership without firmness is chaos. In 2 Timothy 2:24, we read “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men…” and in Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Together, they show that true leadership is gentle.

Have you ever noticed how moms can be gentle and terrifying at the same time? They’ll wipe your face with a tissue in public and then whisper, “Don’t make me come in there”, both with love! That’s leadership with gentleness and authority.

III. He Was Godly as an Example

“Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:10

Leaders reproduce who they are, not just what they say. If your life doesn’t back up your words, your leadership is in vain. Paul lived holily (toward God), justly (toward men), and unblameably (in his testimony). That’s the leader’s triple crown.

“Your talk talks and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” – John C. Maxwell

A leader’s greatest platform is the integrity of his life. Titus 2:7 says, “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works…” and 1 Peter 5:3 reads, “…being ensamples to the flock.” When children are at restaurants, they are not hanging on every word the waiter says; they are staring at the display case, watching what is on display! People don’t just listen to what we say; they watch what we show.

IV. He Was Guiding as a Father

“…as ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God…” - 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12

Leadership involves direction, correction, and inspiration. A good father knows when to cheer, when to challenge, and when to correct.

Paul gave three fatherly actions:

• Exhorted – Urging them forward.

• Comforted – Encouraging in trials.

• Charged – Setting expectations and holding them to it.

  
  

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C. Maxwell.

Leaders who never challenge their people are raising dependents, not disciples. Remember, Proverbs 4:1, “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father…” and  Ephesians 6:4, “…bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Dads are famous for their “guidance,” like teaching you to drive. It’s always calm until you accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake, and then you discover their complete vocabulary! Paul’s leadership was not in vain because it was genuine, gentle, godly, and guiding.

Do not waste your leadership trying to impress people; invest it in influencing them. A wasted leader seeks followers for himself; a faithful leader seeks followers for Christ.

As you lead, remember to lead like 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”