Jesus-style leadership

People have opportunities to lead – in their family, at their church, in civic organizations, at work, and in government. Not all leaders are generals or Presidents!  No army could function without its sergeants (a word that comes from a Latin word meaning ‘one who serves’).  Don’t make the error of believing that only those who hold command rank, or those who are chiefs, or those who are in the CEO’s chair can lead.

Jesus never held any office. He was without an organization. He had no budget, no buildings; but what a leader He was and is!  Isaiah, moved by the Spirit, described His leadership this way.  “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.

In his law the islands will put their hope.” (Isaiah 42:1-4, NIV)  

Since we are called to be like him, our leadership will mirror His.

Spiritual leaders are CHOSEN. 
Jesus did not appoint Himself. His influence did not come from a Harvard degree or a well-connected family tree. God put the Spirit in Him, sent Him with a commission.  Christian your influence and authority – be it in your home, at work, or in your church – comes from the Spirit’s call.  Yes, you can prepare with education. It is valuable. You can find the right mentors. But, a true spiritual leader seeks God’s anointing and with that is empowered to lead.

Spiritual leaders are SELFLESS.   
Jesus’ mission was to reconcile people to God and to one another. He did not seek the perks of power. He did not try to associate with the beautiful, the intelligent, or the privileged. Instead, He gave Himself to those who needed an Advocate.  He never tried to position Himself for the next level, hoping to catch the eye of somebody higher up.  The Message says, "He won’t call attention to what he does with loud speeches or gaudy parades. He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt and he won’t disregard the small and insignificant, but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right." (Isaiah 42:2-3, The Message)  Are you a selfless leader, seeking the best for those in your sphere of influence?  Do you give yourself to those that others ignore, seeing God’s image in the least among us?

Spiritual leaders are FAITHFUL.  
 Hebrews says that "Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God— he (Jesus) could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God." (Hebrews 12:2, The Message)  Leaders, even the best, are met with disappointment.  Plans are frustrated. People can be uncooperative.  Fatigue sometimes stalks them.   Good leaders keep the vision.  They see beyond the mountain and push on. "Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NLT)

Disciple, God has a calling for you, a role He has chosen you to fill, and gifts of the Spirit that will equip you for that service.

Will you serve well?  Will you be content to be placed where He desires?  Will you contentedly lead as a sergeant or a general, surrendering your ego to Him? 

There is a constant temptation to take a poll to see if we are a success.  We love results, numbers, charts – measurable indicators that we are ‘good leaders.’  Spiritual leaders know that not all results for the Kingdom can be charted.  They know that as they are faithful to the Lord’s calling some will regard them as failures.  Here’s a word from the Word.  Let it encourage you to finish well- seeking the praise of the One whose approval matters most.

"Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. . . . no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God." (1 Corinthians 3:18-23, NIV)

"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me." (1 Corinthians 4:2-4, NIV)  

Chosen, Selfless, Faithful – go change YOUR world!

_________________

I Would Be True

I would be true,

For there are those who trust me.

I would be pure,

For there are those who care.

I would be strong,

For there is much to suffer.

I would be brave,

For there is much to dare.

I would be brave,

For there is much to dare.

I would be friend of all,

The foe, the friendless.

I would be giving,

And forget the gift.

I would be humble,

For I know my weakness.

I would look up and laugh

And love and lift.

I would look up and laugh

And love and lift.

I would be learning,

Day by day, the lessons;

My heav'nly Father,

Gives me in His Word.

I would be quick to hear

His lightest whisper

And prompt and glad to do

The things I've heard.

And prompt and glad to do

The things I've heard.

I would be prayerful

Through each busy moment.

I would be constantly

In touch with God.

I would be tuned to hear

His slightest whisper,

I would have faith,

To keep the path Christ trod.

I would have faith,

To keep the path Christ trod.

Howard Arnold Walter | Joseph Yates Peek

© Words: Public Domain