We live in a time where leaders have to have a critical eye. Evaluate, fix it, evaluate, fix it, etc... Leaders do this on a corporate level (within a church or small group) and on an individual level (personally and with others). Jesus modeled this at times by severely rebuking his disciples and giving them clear correction in the way they were thinking and behaving. When we lead people, we may have to do this occasionally.
Jesus did not just have a critical eye though. He also used a "prophetic eye" and an "encouraging eye". And this way of seeing people is just as important as a critical eye. In John 1:35-51 we read how Jesus used both of these leadership methods as he shepherded his disciples.
Reading John 1:42, we see the first example of Jesus using his "prophetic eye". He speaks to Peter and by giving him a new name, foretells what Peter would become. This revelation was given to Jesus at some point by God the Father or perhaps through the Holy Spirit. Either way, Jesus knew what Simon would become Peter or Petra, which means "the rock". Peter was no longer just a fisherman; he was a foundational rock in what Jesus was building. Though he would not fulfill this prophetic word for many years, Jesus already planted the seed in Peter's heart and mind.
At times, leaders should see people as what they will become, not just what they are. As they pray for their people and read the scriptures, they speak biblically and or Holy Spirit inspired words into people's lives. How do we see God using people who are under our care as leaders? Can we see through their sin and foolishness, just like Jesus did with Peter? This takes much prayer. To attempt to do this in the flesh would produce inaccurate prophetic words, which do not benefit anyone.
We see this principle repeated in scriptures. In Acts 13:1-4, the Holy Spirit told men to send out Barnabas and Paul as missionaries (they were not missionaries at the time). In 1 Timothy 4:14, we read how Timothy became a pastor by men speaking it prophetically into his life. Would Timothy have chosen to be a pastor? I'm not sure if it wasn't for these prophetic words. We know from 1 & 2 Timothy that Timothy was not the most confident man to run a ministry. Even staying in Ephesus as a Pastor was more Paul's decision (1 Timothy 1:3) than his. Prophetic words give great courage to those who wonder if and how God will use them.
Now in John 1:47-48, we see how Jesus does not use a prophetic eye, but an encouraging eye by telling Nathanael he is a genuine son of Israel. This did not foretell something about Nathanael, but revealed something that was already occurring in him. Nathanael was blown away that Jesus would even take notice of him.
As a leader, it is important at times to purposefully observe people's lives so that we can speak truth that encourages them. We tell people, "I see a person of great compassion" or "I see someone who is incredibly humble". Encouragement should always be truthful, as flattery will not be beneficial to them nor honoring to God.
When we follow Jesus in this example, people will be greatly encouraged that their leader noticed them and took time to speak about the virtuous qualities they possess. I believe many of us go years without this type of encouragement yet when we receive these types of words it is like water to a parched soul. This is just as powerful and useful as giving a foretelling / prophetic word to someone.
A critical eye is essential for building respect, a prophetic eye is important for building faith and an encouraging eye is vital for building loyalty. The wisdom of a leader is knowing when to use each spiritual discipline at the right time.
So this week, seek the Lord (prayer and scriptures) with how He may use you to speak with a prophetic eye or an encouraging eye. By seeking the Lord in how to build people up through your words, you will no doubt build up their faith in and faithfulness to Jesus.
Take care,
Brian
