Each year we tend to look for new ways to approach Christmas, looking for some insight that will break through the mundane or grind that many leaders face within their routines. We often find ourselves needing fresh wind in our sails, renewed hope. I’ve found great encouragement as I simply took the time to reflect on the leadership of Christ and how I might be able to model His outlook on life. Especially since the scripture says that He is the One who is the source of all life!
This is what I was reminded of:
1. Great leaders first learn how to be great followers.
- In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus tells His disciples and the crowd who were following Him, “Do not be called leaders, for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”
- In the context, Jesus is not calling for the removal of all leaders. He is however confronting the religious leaders who have exalted themselves, and refused to show others how to enter into the kingdom of God. They themselves would refuse to enter. The Messiah was literally in their presence and able to deliver them from their sin and bring them into His kingdom. Their response was one of rejection. Jesus Christ is the head of the church and we are to follow Him. This is not just a call to biblical morality. It is a call to follow His example of leadership and how He followed His Father’s will while here on earth. And yes, it cost Him His life. He would go on to tell His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
- Peter would later remind the Jewish believers who had been scattered abroad, “…But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps…”
2. Jesus’ leadership was a way of life.
- Jesus humbled himself and became a servant.
- Jesus placed obedience to the Father as his number one objective.
- Jesus served his brothers.
- Jesus died for his brothers so that he could bring many to the Father.
- Jesus suffered and was then exalted by the Father.
- See the pattern? He served, suffered, and then was exalted after his resurrection!
3. Great Christian leaders have already learned how to be great followers. A person with authority is also a person who is under authority.
- Evaluate what it will take to follow.
- Adjust your priorities.
- Arrange your calendar to open the opportunity.
- Sacrifice selfish desires that will sabotage your goals.
- Start following by walking with your leader.
Jesus was born to die. However, that would not be the end of the story. Three days later he would be resurrected! Jesus was so focused on his goal. He would die for the sins of the world! He was willing to serve, suffer, and then he would be exalted. We too, scripture says, are to serve, suffer and then after the resurrection be exalted. Our serving should be on leading others to Christ.
Everyday leaders are those who serve within their marriage, their families, their church, and yes in their communities. Christian leaders will experience suffering as they serve because the world we live in hates Jesus. But we are on the path of life.
Wouldn’t it be great if this Christmas, we experience a rewed joy that comes from leading others with a lifestyle leadership that reflects the One and only leader worthy of following? If you have chosen to trust Christ as your Savior, then you have already identified the greatest leader of all time. Great Christian leaders, know those who have the authority to lead are already under a greater authority, Jesus the Christ. Remember, failed leadership costs lives, great leadership saves lives!
