The world is full of people who want to be popular influencers… shaping the opinions and purchases of their audience, largely through social media. Their impact is typically fad-driven and short-term with no accountability.

What the world desperately needs are godly leaders… shaping the attitudes and behaviors of others, largely through personal interaction and positive example. Their impact is typically goal-driven and long-term with high accountability.

Every day, you and I have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people around us. We can and should actively contribute to the common good by helping others flourish.

The book of James offers a wealth of insight for those who aspire to be Flourishing Leaders. Here are some practical takeaways from this powerful letter by one of Jesus’ brothers.

James 1:2-5 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

• keep a positive attitude… God uses difficulty to strengthen us
• mature through hardship… view struggle as exercise
• pray for wisdom… ask God to show you his perspective

James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

• you only believe what you live… act according to your convictions
• lead by example… demonstrate your faith by what you do

James 1:26-2:1 “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism.”

• watch what you say (and post)… your words matter
• take care of the less fortunate… defend those who are mistreated
• treat everyone well… notice and be nice to everybody

James 3:1 “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

• don’t be afraid of criticism… leaders are easy targets
• embrace accountability… hold yourself to a higher standard

James 4:6-7 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

• resist pride… recognize the dangers of power and position
• embrace humility… don’t think too highly of yourself

James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

• embrace transparency… be real with people, let them see you fail
• confess appropriately… be quick to own your mistakes and apologize
• pray constantly… depend on God at all times

Flourishing leaders must have thick skin and a tender heart. They must be people of integrity and worthy of trust. They must express gratitude and exercise self-control. They must speak the truth in love.

Flourishing leaders demonstrate their values and beliefs by the way they act and react, by the way they nurture relationships, and by the way they serve others. They must be dependable and willing to take risks.

Ask God to help you be a Flourishing Leader. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Be willing to make the necessary adjustments. And make each day count!