15 Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, 16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other exhortations he preached to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him concerning Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, 20 also added this, above all, that he shut John up in prison. 21 When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. 22 And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Luke 3:15-22 (NKJV)
As Christians, we are all called to influence the culture. This is the season where darkness would increase but the light of God will increase and triumph (Isaiah 9:2). We are the light and the salt of the world. God is looking for leaders who would step out as lights and defeat the darkness. He is calling us into leadership to influence the culture. Leadership is not about position but rather influence. God raises us from the lowest and seats us with princes (Psalm 113:7-8).
The call of leadership is not for self but sacrifice. When our assignment is not rooted in loving God and our neighbours, then we need to reexamine it. The leadership spirit of Jesus is based on sacrifice. When we enter into leadership, we are called to esteem those who went before us and to build upon it. Jesus esteemed the work of John the Baptist. We should also esteem the work of Jesus Christ. Whatever we do is for the glory and fame of Jesus Christ. It is not about stardom but servanthood. Jesus served and His Father was well pleased (Luke 3:22).
Jesus did not go to the platform but into the wilderness (Luke 4:1-2). He fasted and prayed before God. This is the season of fasting where God will develop our character and integrity. He is leading us into the wilderness where we would begin to realize that God is our only source. God gave Israel a promise that they would go to a land flowing with milk and honey. However, they first went through a wilderness. The fulfillment of the promise may be longer than we expect but we have to be faithful. God always fulfills His promises. After the wilderness, Jesus returned in the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14). If we are to influence the culture, we have to walk in power. Power does not come easy. It comes with sacrifice.
As leaders, we must know the Word of God. Jesus knew His influence and what the Word of God said about it (Luke 4:16-21). Leaders who influence the culture must be confident. We must know who we are. Having confidence is not having pride but having faith in who God is and what He has called us to be.
Leaders who influence the culture cannot be slaves to public opinions. The people asked, “is this not Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22). Jesus was not concerned about what men said but about what God said about Him. Leaders who influence the culture are clear about their assignment. Jesus knew what He was called to do. He was focussed. We can’t get distracted by what others want or say. We must have clarity regarding our season.
