Introduction
Life and leadership require a clear framework, a foundation that directs our steps and decisions. Without a framework, we may walk aimlessly, chasing success without meaning, and pursuing goals that ultimately do not satisfy. A healthy framework is not built on external achievements alone but on an inner order: loving God, knowing oneself, and serving others.
Mat.22: 34 The Pharisees learned that Jesus had made the Sadducees look so foolish that they stopped trying to argue with him. So the Pharisees had a meeting.35 Then one of them, an expert in the Law of Moses, asked Jesus a question to test him. 36 He said, “Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?”
Matthew 22:37–39 (ERV) Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.”
- Loving God
- Loving Yourself
- Loving Others
This framework becomes the compass that ensures our lives are not wasted and our leadership leaves an enduring legacy.
1. IT BEGINS WITH LOVING GOD
The greatest command in life is not about the first action, but about the deepest relationship: loving God. Yet, we cannot truly love God if we do not know who He really is. Therefore, loving God is about knowing God.
Knowing God means knowing His Personality (Jesus’ character and what He has done for us) and knowing the teachings of Jesus.
So, love for God always goes hand in hand with knowing Him. The more we know God, the more we love Him, and the more that love transforms us from within.
A. God Is Love (1 John 4:8; 1 Corinthians 13)
1 John 4:8 – “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
God does not merely possess love — He is love. God’s love is not a passing emotion, but His eternal character.
Through 1 Corinthians 13, we see the character of love, and at the same time, we come to know the very character of God Himself:
- God is patient: He does not punish quickly but gives time for repentance.
- God is kind: His goodness leads us toward repentance.
- God is not jealous, does not boast, is not proud: He is humble and full of understanding.
- God keeps no record of wrongs but is full of forgiveness.
- God covers all things, believes, hopes, and endures all things: His love is faithful and never gives up.
“By knowing the love of God, we come to know Him more, and since we are created in His image, we also learn how our character should be shaped in relationships and leadership.”
B. God Is Light (John 8:12)
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”(John 8:12)
The light of God:
- Opens our eyes to the truth
- Drives out the darkness of sin, ignorance, and confusion
- Gives direction for life so we do not get lost in wrong decisions
To know God as light means we begin to develop discernment—spiritual sensitivity to distinguish what is right and wrong, what is in line with God’s will, and what is not.
But the truth does not stop there. If Jesus is the Light, then those who follow Him are also called to reflect that Light. Matthew 5:13–16 reminds us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. By knowing God as Life and Light, we are not only transformed personally, but also sent into the world to make a difference. To be light means to carry truth, integrity, and love into places of darkness—in our homes, workplaces, and communities—so that others may see Christ through us.
“Jesus did not come to add burdens to your life. He came to light your path so that you would know where to step.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
C. God Is Life
John 14:6 (ERV) Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.”
John 11:25 (ERV) Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection. I am life. Everyone who believes in me will have life, even if they die.”
Jesus came not only to save, but to give life—and life abundantly:
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10)
When Jesus says He is “the Life,” He is not merely describing existence, but the zoē life in Greek—divine, abundant, eternal life that flows from God Himself. Every human being has bios (physical life), but without Christ we remain spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1). To know God as Life means more than acknowledging Him as Creator; it means receiving and experiencing His resurrection power in every dimension of our being.
This life is not theoretical—it must be experienced. Jesus did not just declare, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25); He proved it by raising Lazarus from the dead. And ultimately, He demonstrated it through His own resurrection, breaking the power of sin and death. Paul reminds us that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead gives life to our mortal bodies (Romans 8:11).
Therefore, the life of God is:
- Bringing Salvation – granting forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Christ.
- Transformative – changing how we live daily, empowering us to overcome sin.
- Restorative – bringing healing and hope in situations that feel dead or hopeless.
- Missional – sending us out to share and embody this life so that others may believe.
To know God as Life means we do not just admire Him as the Giver of life, but we experience His life in us—transforming our hearts, renewing our hope, and empowering us to live abundantly for His glory.
2. PRINCIPLES AND VALUES: Understanding How We Live
In life, every one of us faces choices that demand clarity of direction. For this reason, we need to live with the right values and principles—anchors that guide how we think, decide, and act. Knowing God is not only about experiencing His love and presence, but also about understanding and practicing His teachings. From Jesus’ teaching, we learn both the values that shape our hearts and the principles that guide our steps.
Without these anchors, we will easily be swayed by pressure, people’s opinions, or changing circumstances.
What Are Principles?
Kingdom principles are the unchanging truths of God’s Kingdom that reveal how life is designed to work under His rule. They are not human theories or cultural trends but God-given patterns that govern reality, rooted in His eternal character. Because they flow from who God is, they do not shift with time, culture, or circumstance.
Kingdom principles are not meant to be rigid rules that enslave us, but life-giving pathways that lead us into freedom, blessing, and fruitfulness. They function like the laws of nature—just as gravity governs the physical world, Kingdom principles govern the spiritual and moral order of life. For example:
- The principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7–9) reminds us that every choice produces a harvest.
- The principle of humility before honor (Proverbs 18:12) shows us that in God’s Kingdom, the way up always begins by bowing down.
Living by these principles means aligning ourselves with God’s design. They provide stability when the world is unstable, direction when life is confusing, and fruitfulness when others are striving without result.
But when we ignore or resist God’s principles—choosing shortcuts, pride, or compromise—we end up working against His design. Just as defying gravity brings a fall, rejecting Kingdom principles brings disorder, emptiness, and ultimately destruction.
But here’s the danger: if we live by wrong principles—those shaped by the world, culture, or selfish ambition—we will reap brokenness instead of blessing. For example, the world teaches the principle of self-promotion (“push yourself higher at all costs”), but God teaches the principle of humility (“whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” Matt. 23:12). The world operates on greed (“get as much as you can”), but God’s principle is generosity (“it is more blessed to give than to receive,” Acts 20:35). Wrong principles may appear to work for a time, but they ultimately lead to emptiness and destruction.
Kingdom principles are God’s eternal patterns for life. If you follow these principles, you align yourself with His design—finding stability in uncertainty, freedom instead of bondage, and fruitfulness that lasts. But if you ignore them, you work against the way God created life to function, and the result is confusion, emptiness, and eventual collapse.
Examples:
- Principle of Sowing and Reaping – “A man will harvest only what he plants” (Galatians 6:7–9). Every action carries consequences; fruitfulness begins with seeds of faithfulness.
- Principle of Humility before Honor – “Humility comes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12). In the Kingdom, the path upward begins by stepping downward.
What Are Kingdom Values?
Kingdom values are the deep convictions and priorities that reflect the heart of God and the culture of His Kingdom. They define what we treasure most and shape why we make the choices we do. Unlike cultural or personal preferences, Kingdom values flow from God’s Word and the life of Jesus. They remind us that in God’s Kingdom, greatness comes through service, love is stronger than hate, and faithfulness is more important than worldly success.
Examples of Kingdom values include:
- Love – the foundation of every relationship (John 13:34–35)
- Honesty – the foundation of integrity (Ephesians 4:25)
- Faithfulness – the foundation of trust and long-term commitment (Matthew 25:21)
- Humility – the posture that opens the way for God’s grace (James 4:6)
Kingdom values teach us to treasure what God treasures. They form the compass of our identity and help us live in alignment with eternity rather than with temporary gain.
What If We Live by Wrong Values?
The danger comes when our values are shaped not by the Kingdom of God, but by the world around us. Wrong values distort our priorities and lead our hearts away from God. For example:
- If we value wealth above faithfulness, we will compromise integrity to gain profit.
- If we value status above service, we will chase recognition instead of humbly serving others.
- If we value comfort above calling, we will stay in the safe zone instead of obeying God’s mission.
When wrong values govern our lives, we may still appear “successful,” but our success becomes shallow and unsustainable, because it is not rooted in God. Jesus warned, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
This is why spiritual maturity means not only knowing Kingdom principles (how life works) but also embracing Kingdom values (what matters most to God). Together, they form a life that reflects Christ and resists the drift of the world.
Kingdom values shape what we treasure; wrong values distort what we pursue. When we live by Kingdom values, our lives reflect what God considers truly precious.
Principles vs. Values
| Aspect | Principles | Values |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Unchanging truths of God’s Kingdom that show how life works | Deep convictions about what truly matters in life |
| Source | Flow from God’s character and His Word | Formed in our hearts through faith and discipleship |
Function | Guide how we live and make decisions | Determine what we live for and prioritize |
Nature | Universal, timeless, not affected by culture or trends | Personal but rooted in God’s Kingdom; define identity |
| Examples | – Sowing & Reaping (Gal. 6:7–9) – Humility before Honor (Prov. 18:12) | – Love in relationships – Honesty in integrity – Faithfulness in commitment |
Question They Answer | How should I live? | What matters most to me? |
Principles and Values Together
- Values answer: What matters most?
- Principles answer: How do I live it out?
When we live by Kingdom values and eternal principles, we experience clarity in decision-making, strength in adversity, and fruitfulness that endures.
- Clarity in Decision-Making: Kingdom values act as a compass that points us toward what matters most to God. Instead of being swayed by every opinion, pressure, or opportunity, we make choices with confidence, knowing they align with God’s truth. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Strength in Adversity: Principles rooted in God’s Word give us stability when life is shaken. Storms will come—crises in business, challenges in family, struggles in leadership—but when our foundation is God’s truth, we are not destroyed. Like the wise man who built on the rock (Matthew 7:24–25), we may be tested, but we will stand firm.
- Fruitfulness that Endures: When values and principles guide our lives, our efforts bear fruit that lasts beyond temporary success. We are not just building profits or reputations; we are sowing into eternity. Jesus said in John 15:16, “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”
Our lives are aligned with God’s design, so His peace, purpose, and blessing flow naturally. Peace guards our hearts because we are living in harmony with His will. Purpose gives direction so that every effort is meaningful. Blessing flows not as random luck, but as the natural outcome of walking in step with the Creator’s design.
Living by Kingdom values and principles doesn’t just make life easier—it makes life aligned with eternity, filled with peace, strength, and lasting fruit.
3. LOVING YOURSELF = KNOWING YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
Matthew 22:37–39 (ERV) Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.”
After we love God, the next step is to love ourselves, beginning with knowing who we are—that is, receiving and understanding our identity in Him. We are created in the Imago Dei—the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). The more we know God, the easier it becomes to know ourselves. Loving ourselves means acknowledging our worth before God, not based on achievements, but on who created us and what He was willing to give: His very own Son (Romans 8:32).
“The more we know God, the more we know who we truly are, because we are created in the image of God. And the more we know ourselves, the more we can love others.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
Loving yourself means walking in acceptance and recognition of who we truly are—as God sees us, not as the world defines us. We are created in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei), as written in Genesis 1:26–27. This means every human being carries irreplaceable divine value. We are not the product of chance, but creations intentionally designed with uniqueness and specific purpose by the Creator.
Knowing oneself is not merely about understanding our personality—it is about realizing who we are in Christ. As affirmed in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works…” The earlier a person understands their true identity, the stronger the foundation they will have for life. This is especially important in youth, when many people build their sense of self on the opinions of others or on social pressure.
The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 gives us a beautiful picture of the restoration of identity. The son left home as a child, but returned broken, humiliated, and stripped of his dignity. He only wanted to come back as a servant/slave. Yet the Father went out to meet him, first restoring his dignity as a son, and only then bringing him back into the house.
As Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat says: “If you don’t know whose child you are, you will live like a slave to the world.” A false identity will lead us to live in bondage. But the right identity opens the door to discovering the talents and gifts that God has already planted within us.
4. TALENTS: A GUIDE TO OUR CALLING
An important step after knowing God and knowing ourselves (identity) is realizing that we were created with a purpose, and that purpose is revealed through talents and calling. In the teaching of Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat, this is not merely about career or interest, but about the divine direction that God planted within us from the very beginning.
A restored identity leads us to discover:
- Talents and gifts: God’s unique endowment for each person
- Life calling: when our talents meet the needs of others
God created each of us with intention, and talents are the indicators that point us toward that calling. When our talents meet the needs of others, we find our place in God’s greater plan.
As Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat says: “Your future is not in front of you; it is already inside you.” God does not send us chasing after some distant, undefined future. Instead, He has already planted that future within us—through the skills, capacities, and potential that need to be developed.
From the very first breath of life breathed into humanity (Genesis 2:7), God also gave the mandate of productivity: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:28). This is called the dominion mandate—the calling to grow, steward, and make an impact.
Interestingly, God does not hand us ready-made results. He provides raw materials: ideas, time, energy, and opportunities. Alongside these, He also gives the ability to process them. As emphasized in Deuteronomy 8:18: “It is the Lord who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” God does not promise instant wealth—but He does promise the capacity to create it.
The more we sharpen our ability to turn raw materials into something valuable, the greater the impact and fruitfulness we can achieve. In the hands of a lazy person, raw materials produce nothing. But in the hands of someone diligent and of character, raw materials can become sources of influence and abundance. The greater your ability to develop raw materials, the greater your influence and impact.
Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat says: “If you know who you are, and you know what God has placed inside you, you will begin to live not out of reaction, but out of vision.” To live by vision means to live with clear direction and productivity.
The amazing truth is that every identity is unique. There are no duplicates in the Kingdom of God. God creates each person with a distinct combination of talents and plans. Therefore, loving yourself means stopping the endless comparison with others, and instead focusing on developing what God has entrusted to us.
As written in 1 Corinthians 12:4: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” And every gift is valuable—when exercised from a healthy identity and a clear calling, our lives become a tangible blessing.
A. Talents Are the Seeds of Calling
Talents are gifts from God that reflect His special design for each individual. We do not choose our talents—God is the one who plants them within us.
Talents can take the form of:
- Natural abilities (skills)
- Inclinations of the heart (passions)
- Sensitivity toward certain problems
- Spiritual gifts and unique character traits
In the teaching of Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat, talent is not the finished product, but the raw material. It is the starting point, not the end point.
“God does not give you finished goods, but raw materials. He gives you ideas, potential, and opportunities. Then He gives you the strength to develop them all.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
B. Talents Must Be Discovered and Developed
Often, we do not immediately know what our talents are. Yet, as a person comes to know God and their identity in Him, they begin to gain sensitivity toward:
- What they enjoy doing
- What they do well
- What brings them joy when done
- What brings impact to others
However, recognition alone is not enough. Talents must be developed. As in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), God expects every talent to be:
- Worked with faithfulness
- Multiplied through wise stewardship
- Accounted for with tangible results
“Raw materials in the hands of a lazy person produce nothing. But in the hands of a diligent person full of integrity, those raw materials can become a source of blessing.” – Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
C. Produktivitas dan Mandat Ilahi
Talenta dan panggilan tidak diberikan hanya untuk dipelihara, tapi untuk berbuah. Tuhan memberi mandat sejak penciptaan:
“Beranakcuculah dan bertambah banyak; penuhilah bumi dan taklukkanlah itu…” (Kej. 1:28)
Inilah yang disebut sebagai dominion mandate. Mandat ini bukan hanya bicara soal pertambahan fisik, tetapi juga produktivitas, pengelolaan, dan tanggung jawab.
“Tuhan tidak kasih kamu kekayaan. Tuhan kasih kamu kekuatan untuk menciptakan kekayaan.” (Ul. 8:18)
Semakin kita mampu mengubah potensi menjadi dampak, semakin kita bisa:
- Memberi kontribusi nyata di masyarakat
- Meninggalkan warisan kebaikan
- Memuliakan Tuhan melalui hidup kita
Maka, mengasihi diri sendiri juga berarti menghormati apa yang Tuhan percayakan secara khusus dalam dirimu, dan dengan penuh tanggung jawab, menjalani itu untuk kemuliaan-Nya.
“Kamu tidak dipanggil untuk menjadi siapa-siapa, kamu dipanggil untuk menjadi kamu — versi terbaikmu dalam Kristus.”
— Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
5. LOVING OTHERS: FROM IDENTITY TO IMPACTFUL SERVICE
When we know ourselves (identity), then we can serve others (Ephesians 2:10). Loving others means serving them. We learn from Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. The talents God has given are not meant for ourselves, but to help others solve their problems.
“If you don’t know who you are, you cannot truly serve others, because you are still busy trying to prove yourself.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
Jesus calls us the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13–16). These two functions illustrate the tangible influence of love:
- Salt of the earth → gives flavor and preserves; transforming communities from within
- Light of the world → gives direction and hope; bringing glory to God
Loving others means:
- Serving from a heart rooted in identity
- Using talents to meet needs
- Being salt that gives flavor, and light that gives direction
- Leading people to see God’s glory through our lives
“You are God’s representation in the place where you are planted. Make sure people can know God’s love through your life.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
6. BEING AN EXAMPLE: LEAVING A TRAIL OF GLORY
In the teaching of Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat, a quality life is not measured by how high a position we achieve, but by the trail we leave behind. It is not only about success, but about impact. Not only about influence, but integrity.
“Every place you go, and every person you meet, should be able to feel the mark of your life—and that mark is not the mark of ego, but the mark of God’s glory.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
The Bible uses the Greek word τύπος (typos), which means pattern, imprint, example, or form that leaves a mark. That is our calling—to be people who leave behind the imprint of God’s glory, not just a fleeting impression.
A. A Life That Leaves a Mark
Being an example is not about popularity, but about consistency of character and tangible impact. We may not always realize it, but:
- Every decision we make leaves behind values.
- Every attitude we show creates an atmosphere.
- Every response we give shapes the people around us.
This is why Paul urged Timothy, a young leader, with firm yet loving words: “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
This verse is not only relevant for pastors or church workers, but for every believer who desires to live a life of impact.
B. Example Is Testimony Without a Microphone
In the teaching of Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat, example is the most powerful form of ministry—because people may ignore our words, but they cannot ignore our lives.
“Sometimes what the world needs is not more Christians who can preach well, but Christians whose lives reflect Christ.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
Being an example is not about being perfect, but about:
- Living authentically
- Showing love under pressure
- Maintaining integrity when unseen
- Holding on to faith when many give up
C. The Dimensions of Example That Touch Every Area of Life
- Speech → Do your words build up or tear down?
- Conduct → Are your actions consistent with your faith?
- Love → Do you continue to love even when hurt?
- Faith → Can people see hope and conviction in your way of life?
- Purity → Does your life reflect holiness in a compromising world?
D. Example Leaves a Legacy, Not Just an Impression
Many great people create impressions, but few leave a legacy. A person who lives in the calling and character of Christ will:
- Shape the next generation
- Influence family, community, and workplace
- Glorify the Father through a life that bears fruit (Matthew 5:16)
“The greatest inheritance is not what you pass on in material form, but in a life that others imitate.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
E. A Life That Points People to God
The ultimate goal of our example is not that people admire us, but that they come to know God through us. Every spiritual fingerprint we leave behind should:
- Point to the love of Christ
- Glorify the Father in heaven
- Bring light into darkness
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Being an Example Is Both a Responsibility and a Privilege
Being an example is not a burden, but a noble responsibility and a privilege as children of God. We are called not only to succeed, but to be living witnesses who leave behind a trail of love, faith, and truth.
“Don’t just leave memories. Leave a mark that brings people closer to God.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
CONCLUSION: A LIFE THAT IS PURPOSEFUL, IMPACTFUL, AND GLORIFYING GOD
Life is not merely about survival, but about walking in the right direction, bearing eternal fruit, and leaving a trail that glorifies God. Through this framework—loving God, knowing ourselves, building values and principles, discovering talents and calling, and becoming an example—we learn that true life flows from our relationship with God and extends into every aspect of our lives.
“If you know who God is, you will know who you are. And if you know who you are, you will know what you are called to do.” — Ps. Jeffrey Rachmat
God has already planted the future within you. He has given you identity, talents, values, principles, and the capacity to steward and produce. Now your responsibility is to live with divine awareness, using everything He has entrusted to you to meet the needs of the world and reflect His glory wherever you go.
Be a leader who:
- Is rooted in God’s love,
- Lives in truth and wholeness,
- Becomes a blessing through developed talents,
- And leaves a legacy that brings the next generation closer to the Source of Life.
That is true leadership. That is a life worth living. That is a life that glorifies God.
The framework of life and leadership is not merely a strategy or a set of goals, but a journey to:
- Know God,
- Know yourself in the light of His love and truth,
- Discover your calling,
- Serve with impact,
- And leave a trail of glory for the next generation.
Victory in life is not about position, but about function. It is not about what we possess, but about what we produce for the Kingdom of God.
budi hidajat 