S.O.A.P. for 02/15/2009 Leadership

I didn't catch this one right away, so I felt compelled to do the 15th over again, feeling like I missed something, and surely I did. It jumped out at me like a snake on a rat! It hit home, too, so I knew God was speaking to me.

S: Exodus 39:42-43
According to all that the Lord had commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work. The Moses looked over all the work, and indeed they had done it; as the Lord commanded, just so, they had done it. And Moses blessed them.

O: Moses learned a leadership.management lesson here. He gave responsibility to others and then he TRUSTED them to do the job. I don't think he squabbled, or thought he could do better. At the conclusion, it says he BLESSED them. He showed them appreciation for the work they offered and did for him and for God. A good leader follows up on assigned tasks to ensure their progress, also gives rewards for good work. He doesn't micro-manage, take the job away after thinking about it, or let you do it without a plan, then change it after all your work has been put in. He is accepting and pleased by the work performed and rewards it justly, in a spirit of love.

A: In whatever responsibility position I find myself, I must ensure that without harassing or nagging, I am motivating the work to be completed. I should check in, TRUST them, and show my appreciation and thanks for the time, work, and effort that has been offered to help me, regardless of whether it's already being monetarily rewarded or not. A personal appreciation and fellowship will go much farther in a person's heart that a position that is thankless and without motivation. I know what I do is ultimately for God, and I should seek His approval, but when I do things for others to help them in some capacity, I do not want to feel used, taken advantage of, and irrelevant, or I won't feel inspired to continue, and I will also become gun-shy in helping someone else. I want to be a good leader and never make anyone feel unappreciated or cared for by me.

P: Heavenly Father,
I know that ultimately all of my actions/tasks in this life are acts of service to You. How they're done, to what end, and with what heart... However, You call us to effectively SHOW love to each other as well and not take people for granted. Father, I know how this feels on the receiving end so I pray that it be a lesson learned for me because knowing how I felt, Lord, I would never want anyone to feel that way because of me. Help me to have a spirit of outward love so that I may always abundantly show my love and thanks to others that they may always feel joy in my presence and feel joy when someone lends me a hand...whether it be short term, or for the long haul.. Help me to be a graceful leader and follower who shines love and camaraderie every step of the way, because, Father, we are all in this together and I would desire to bring people closer to You, rather than unintentionally push them away by having been a not so great example.. I thank You for the abundant love that is never-ending, there's always more, it cannot be measured, and I'm blessed that You share it with me.. Help me always share it with the world.

In Jesus Name,
Amen