4-H is the premier youth development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Originating in the early 1900’s as “four-square education,” the 4-H’s (head-heart-hands-health) seeks to promote positive youth development, facilitate learning and engage youth in the work of their community.
For more than a hundred years 4-H has been dedicated to creating opportunities for youth which broaden skills and aspirations, nurturing the full potential of youth.
Here are 4-H Club ingredients for today’s Christian Leaders:
1. HUMBLE
It was John Stott who said that humility is our best friend and pride our worst enemy. Humility has got to be the basis for all true, authentic and effective Christian leadership. To continue to grow in genuine humility is one of my chief aims at this stage of my life and work. Recently, in my morning Bible time I again came across Isaiah 57:15 (NLT)
“The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this—I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble…”
I have seen my share of arrogant, full-of -themselves leaders. I don’t want to be one of them.
2. HUNGER
“From the very first day you heard and recognized the truth of what God is doing, you’ve been hungry for more. It’s as vigorous in you now as when you learned it from our friend and close associate Epaphras.” Colossians 1:6 The Message
What a wonderful thing to be able to say about a Christian leader that they’re hungry for more—more of Jesus, more power, more grace. I want to be able to say that about my walk and my faith; that it’s as vigorous now as it was when I first heard it. Not abandoning the love I had at first (Revelation 2:4), but instead growing stronger in it.
When you have a family member or close friend who is sick and in the hospital and you realize that they’ve lost their appetite and don’t want to eat, you realize that danger is right around the corner. On the other hand, if one day they sit up and want to begin eating again, the hunger has returned and there is great rejoicing. I never want to lose my appetite for Jesus. I never want to lose my desire to continue to learn and grow. I never want to become cold or lukewarm.
3. HOLY
We don’t hear much about holiness today. Jerry Bridges wrote a book a few years ago titled “The Pursuit of Holiness.” It was a best-seller and continues to sell. As Christian leaders, holiness is something we should always be pursuing until Jesus calls us home.
“Because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ ” 1 Peter 1:16
Where is it written? Here are a few places:
- Leviticus 11:45
- 2 Corinthians 7:1
- Hebrews 12:14
- 2 Peter 3:11
4. HUSTLE
Last week I was on a Zoom call with some leaders in England. On that call I shared this verse:
“I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me.” 1 Corinthians 9:26 (The Message.)
There are lots of leaders today who are living on empty—No hustle, no enthusiasm, little energy. They are in neutral, coasting. With His power, I still have gas in my tank, tread on my tires and fizz in my Coke and want to stay that way until He comes for me. Tired is biblical, but not retired—can’t find that concept in the Bible. I pray every day for vitality and His energy flowing through me.
“But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and his followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.”
~ Numbers 14:24 (ESV)
“And now, behold, I (Caleb) am eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming…give me this mountain” Joshua 14:11,12(ESV)
Caleb had hustle. I will be 84 at the end of this year, so this truly speaks to my heart as Caleb was 85 when he said this.
Christian leader, regardless of how old or how young you may be, Join me in being a part of the 4-H Club by growing in:
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Humility
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Hunger
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Holiness
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Hustle.
By His grace, this is possible for YOU!
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