If you pay any attention to the news, you’ll see there’s no short supply when it comes to leaders who have had serious failures. Whether it’s in government, business, or the Church, it seems as if more and more prominent figures wrestle with major faults- in reality, it’s probably not an increase in the shortcomings, rather an increase in exposing them to the world. Humankind has always dealt with sin and we are remarkably talented when it comes to keeping these sins in the dark. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23 tells us. Reality: Sin is part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to rule over us (see Genesis 4:6-7).
The Good News: We follow a god who came to change (and challenge) the ways of the World. I want to direct your attention to a phrase that’s often used to describe prominent individual’s failures. Often when sin is revealed in a leader’s life, it is said that they had serious “character
flaws” or that they “lacked character.” Good, strong character matters and seems to be the mark of a good leader.
When it comes to leading others, working in a team, or living a life reflective of Jesus, character is central to success. We are all born with some degree of character, but much of it also needs to be shaped. In fact, a large part of a YWAM DTS (Discipleship Training School) is learning about how to develop character and characteristics that reveal God’s work in us.
Here are a few specific areas that are extremely important and should be developed throughout the life of a Christian.
Humility
“Pride goes before the fall” a proverb accurately states. Guarding against pride is crucial. Humility is certainly an undervalued character trait in our day and age. As C.S. Lewis beautifully states, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Pride is dangerous as it obstructs our perception of both ourselves and the needs of others. God “emptied” Himself when He became human, Philippians 2 tells us. Christ became a servant and as a human humbled Himself for our sake. As Christ followers, we are saved through faith in the King who was willing to be humiliated. If God was willing to stoop to our level, then we too should be willing to humble ourselves for the sake of Christ.
Gentleness
Proverbs 15 says that “A soft answer turns away wrath…”
This highlights the effectiveness of gentleness when met with adversity. We actually have the power to diffuse situations by how we respond. Gentleness is rarely something one is born with, rather it is something we must choose and develop. Holding your tongue is an art (a lost art even). Gentleness requires humility. Once we stop defending our egos, we will experience greater freedom. Gentleness looks like not having to have the last word in an argument. It looks like pausing before responding harshly. It looks a lot like surrendering our “rights” to be right. Others are drawn to righteousness, but never self-righteousness. Jesus tells us “blessed are the meek” and exemplifies what it is to be gentle while enduring suffering before His crucifixion. We must learn from his powerful display of gentleness and let go of a need to defend ourselves at the expense of others.
Patience
Why is patience important? It is a fruit of the Spirit just like gentleness, but what about this fruit is desirable? In this day in age time is money and in scarcity. We honk 3.5 seconds after the light turns green, feel inconvenienced when placed on hold, and expect our Amazon delivery to arrive in three business days or less.
Patience is a virtue and that virtue is currently in short supply. A few months ago, I became aware of how impatient I was with little things. I got frustrated at a project around the house that didn’t go right the first time. Became annoyed at having to wait longer than normal at an exit. Or tapping vigorously on my computer when it took more than usual to download a file. These might seem like small examples of my impatience, but through them I believe God was showing me where I lacked.
As a response, I decided to start exercising my patience to strengthen it. I intentionally pick the longer line at the store, take the long way home, and let others talk before I do. Patience doesn’t come naturally, for me I’ve found, but it isn’t hard to train yourself to become stronger in this area. Patience is rightly called a fruit. Fruit takes time to grow and anyone can attest to the unpleasant experience of biting into an unripe banana (unless green is your thing.)
Faith
Faith is a response. It’s a response of hope and trust in something that is often difficult or impossible to understand fully. For me, I find it helpful to think of faith using an illustration of a tree. Faith is rooted in what can be seen while the branches of faith extend beyond what the eye can perceive. I believe in the Trinity like I believe in gravity.
I don’t claim to understand either fully, but I trust in their existence. Early on, Abraham was counted as righteous on account of his act of faith, his trust in God. Jesus’ death and resurrection provides the same opportunity that Abraham was given to trust and be saved, now extended to all people.
For the Christian, faith is a lifestyle. We can trust God with large things, like our salvation, and smaller daily things, like guidance and material provision. This last example is a YWAM value: “Dependence on God” - whereby every YWAMer relies on God to provide for our material needs.
Peace
This one is both a gift and a chosen posture. Much like patience, peace is a necessary response to the chaotic world around us. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the World gives do I give to you.
Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27). This is a large promise Jesus leaves His followers. It comes right after He promises to send the Holy Spirit after His ascension. Jesus also promises that we will have troubles while in the world, but that we can have peace knowing He has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Having spent several years in Youth With A Mission, I have been able to grow and develop in each of these character traits. Many times, God reveals to me the need to work on these areas; while at other times the need was brought to my attention by my friends and colleagues. The nature of discipleship, within the YWAM context, is that we live in a posture that invites both God and others to speak into our lives. As part of YWAM DTS requirements, each person commits to being discipled and being open to character growth.
YWAM also places a value on community, believing discipleship thrives in this context. Within community you’ll find ample opportunities for growth and deepening your Christian faith. You’ll also find challenges that provide you opportunity to refine these areas of character. It takes humility to apologize when you say or do something that might upset a roommate. It takes gentleness when you would rather respond to someone sarcastically.
A big part of YWAM training schools is practicing hearing God’s voice. This is central to who we are as a ministry, but we also believe it to be a part of every Christian’s life. Hearing the voice of God requires patience. God is rarely in a hurry and shows immense patience with each of us. It’s necessary to slow down and meet Him at His pace. Within a YWAM DTS there are many opportunities to do just this. Three times a week, we spend time engaging in intercessory prayer, which is simply praying for others (people groups, nations, etc.) or causes throughout the world.
Then there’s faith; if you are a follower of Jesus you already practice this. God is ALWAYS looking for excuses to grow our faith. When Peter stepped out on the waves, it took a good deal of faith to believe that the man on the water was indeed Jesus Christ. Likewise, it took even greater faith to believe that Jesus had the power to save him when he began to sink.
There will be moments when the measure of faith we need exceeds what we are capable of. That’s a good thing. That’s living a life surrendered to and dependent on God. It’s far from easy, but it’s so rewarding!
If any of these words or ideas have spoken to you, consider looking into a Discipleship Training School at one of the many YWAM bases and locations throughout the world. They are five month long programs designed to disciple young people who are passionate about knowing God and making Him known (YWAM’s motto). Each YWAM program and YWAM course is designed to give you solid teaching and service opportunities to grow your faith.
Twelve weeks are devoted to teaching/training and another eight weeks for outreach typically in another nation. You’ll be surrounded by a community of young people who are passionate about discovering more of Jesus and what it looks like to live a life devoted to Him. Check out YWAM.org for the many locations around the world in order to find the best YWAM DTS location for you. If after prayer you feel that YWAM Asheville is the best YWAM location for you, submit an app for an upcoming DTS and talk to one of our recruiters to learn more!