FLG: On 3 ways to move with boldness, the impact of a leader that follows a leader, and how to respond in heated conflict
Happy FLG Thursday,
Here are 3 thoughts from me, 1 quote from someone else, and 1 question to consider focused on faith, leadership, and personal growth to think about this week…
3 Insights On Faith, Leadership, and Personal Growth
I. (This one’s more lengthy than usual)
3 ways to build confidence to walk boldly in your purpose:
Ask for it
In the book of Acts chapter 4, after Peter and John were threatened and told to no longer share the Good News of Jesus, the early church prayed this prayer on their behalf: ‘Now Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.’ (Acts 4:29)
As a result, the building they were in literally shook, the people were empowered with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with confidence—even in the face of threats and great danger (Acts 4:31).
At some point, our self-reliance always fails us when we run into adversity greater than we can handle. But when we ask and rely on the Helper, which is the Holy Spirit for boldness—we’re empowered to walk with confidence in what we have been purposed to do—even when it seems like an impossible task.
Spend quality time with Jesus
Let’s stay in the book of Acts—but back track to an earlier account in the book.
After spending the night in a jail cell, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish religious leaders who called for Jesus’ death). They were upset because the proclamation of Jesus Christ was being widely spread and rapidly changing lives as a result of Peter and John walking in their purpose. During this confrontation, Peter and John were questioned as an act of intimidation by the leaders, but Peter and John stood ten toes down—making it clear that there is nothing that will stop them from proclaiming all Jesus had done—going as far to let them know that ‘Salvation is found in no one else’ but Jesus (Acts 4:12).
The leader’s remarkable response to this is found in the next verse: ‘When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men (Peter and John) had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). Fire. Two ordinary, uneducated men, had so much confidence that it blew the minds of these high profile leaders of the time. Bringing attention to the fact that they must have spent a lot of time with Jesus.
The result of the quality time we spend with Jesus in private should overflow to how we boldly display Jesus through our lives publicly. Practically, this looks like understanding who He is through reading and meditating on His word. Our courage, boldness, confidence—is all built through our time spent walking with Jesus. Getting to know the author of our story. Why? Because then He becomes our firm foundation which can’t be moved. There is no better place to build our confidence, than here.
Move your feet
I’m a basketball guy—so I can’t help but to illustrate that if the first point, “Ask for it” is the in and out crossover to get the defender stumbling—and the second point “Spend quality time with Jesus” is the step back move to create even more separation for the setup—then this last point “Move your feet” is the pull-up shot to seal the game-winner (that’s a toughh move btw— *squinches face).
Listen—we can do points #1 and #2, but it’s impossible to walk in God’s purpose with confidence, if we don’t move our feet.
Jesus told His disciples before He left them: ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8)
They would go on to do just that.
Which is why—even 2,000+ years later—followers of “The Way” (Jesus) are still being made across the globe. But I’m confident enough to say that you and I can agree that if the disciples only communicated and spent much time with Jesus—without putting all they learned from Him into to the test, there would be no sharing the Gospel with boldness to the ends of the earth for them. Especially through persecution.
They had to move their feet.
For you—this can look like applying for that new career opportunity that hasn’t left your mind. Or sharing your own personal experience of how Jesus changed your life with that friend that doesn’t know who Jesus is yet. Finally starting that business you wrote down years ago. Maybe—your very first step is just starting with my 1st or 2nd points above.
This is exercising the faith you have. With what you have, the power of the Holy Spirit in you will empower you with everything that you need, including the confidence—to carry it out. And as you get the reps in, watch your confidence significantly grow in the process.”
II.
“Every dynamic leader has a dynamic leader that they are following.
The greatest ancient samurai warriors were always submitted to a great master. It was through following their master’s leadership that they not only became more effective in combat—but they were shaped in other key areas such as: self-discipline, wisdom, sacrifice, and spiritual formation. The credibility of their legacy was even linked to who their master was.
For the modern day leader, the impact of how we influence others is directly correlated to who is leading and influencing us.
Who’s lead are you following?”
III.
It’s almost impossible to attentively listen and give your best response when you’re angry in the midst of a heated argument.
What would it look like if you delayed your response by saying to the person you’re in disagreement with:
‘Hey, I’m not in a great place to give you the best response right now. Are you cool with me taking some time to process a little more and we can continue our discussion in [specific time]?’
This allows you to do 3 important things:
Get to a more calm and clear space mentally
Process what was actually said by the other person and not just what you heard through your anger
Come up with the words you need to articulate to the person so that you can navigate the disagreement productively
1 Quote From Someone Else
“People overestimate what they can do in 1 year. But underestimate what they can do in 5 years.”
Source: Tim Keller
1 Question To Answer..
Halfway through the year—what’s one lesson you are personally learning so far in 2025?
Until next week,
Reggie Jones Jr.
Creator of The FLG Newsletter