What we can learn from the most outstanding leader in history
As a young believer, I realised that I was a leader. Although I did not feel like one, act like one, or even hold a leadership position, I saw how my actions or lack of action influenced others. Later, I have discovered how my mindset and thinking influence my calling as a Jesus-following leader.
In this article, I want to take you on a journey of self-discovery and growth as we learn from Jesus, the greatest and most influential leader in history. I want to emphasise five values that will ignite a fresh passion for leadership within you.
Jesus is the epitome of wisdom.
Colossians 2:2-3 says, ”My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (NIV)
Leadership can be the most exhilarating journey when we focus on Jesus' example. His wisdom, far surpassing human understanding, can transform our perception of the world. We tend to see the world in black and white, right and wrong, and make absolute rules based on how we perceive situations through our worldview. The more the life and teachings of Christ, the epitome of wisdom, transform us, the more we see our limited perceptions. Navigating through all the demands leadership brings requires this divine wisdom.
James 1:6 encourages us to believe and not doubt when we ask God for wisdom. This is especially important for us as leaders. We should study God’s word and ask for God’s wisdom and understanding. This will give us new insights and guidance as we lead and make decisions.
Accepting responsibility. Accepting people.
Responsibility can feel like a burden. For many of us, relinquishing our leadership responsibilities can be a constant temptation. The lack of acceptance of responsibility causes much harm in our societies. Taking responsibility does not always mean making big decisions. It can be as simple as showing up consistently as promised and expected. How many conflicts could have been resolved if just one person had stood up, taken responsibility and said, “Sorry, I missed that?”
I love how Jesus accepted the responsibility of saving humankind even though he was tempted to let it go. We see him plead with God, sweating blood, asking his father to take this cup away. But then the ultimate acceptance of responsibility came when He said, "I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Luke 22:42, NLT) Jesus was fully human and had the same emotions we have, but he still chose to put aside his feelings and do God's will.
Accepting people for who they are just as they are will make your life as a leader much more manageable. The same person who loves and inspires you can hurt and disappoint you. Why? Because we are all humans and not perfect. It is by the grace of God that we are here, and we should not forget our origins and the process of growth that God lead us through every day. Jesus washed the disciples' feet and instituted communion, knowing some would betray him. By doing this, he showed us that we can look past someone's current behaviour and instead look for their God-given potential.
Your expectations create an atmosphere for growth and failure.
John 14:12-14 says, ”Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (NIV)
I am often shocked at how followers of Jesus appear to be without hope. We manage failures by not expecting good things to happen. "I will believe it when I see it” often comes from Christian leaders' mouths.
Expectations are powerful tools in a leader's arsenal. I once had a great sales representative working for me. He was very loyal and hardworking but struggled with managing his expectations. If a person didn't respond immediately after a sales meeting, he would get upset and assume it was a lost cause.
One day, while in the office, he saw how challenging it was for me to handle all the administrative work while dealing with numerous clients. I explained to him that sometimes it's impossible to return every call promptly because of the workload.
After this, he changed his expectations. Instead of waiting impatiently for immediate responses, he sent short, inspiring messages and occasionally dropped in with samples or small gifts for potential customers. This approach kept our products on their radar without us being too intrusive.
My co-worker’s expectations shifted from negative thoughts about our clients to seeing them as busy people still interested in the products he presented. This became a secret to his success.
When we lead people who do not live up to our expectations, instead of thinking the worst about them, we could start by giving them the benefit of the doubt. More often than not, you will see how people rise to an occasion. Jesus says in John 1:12-14 "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (NIV).
Leaders are People who Dare
Challenging situations often require us to face our fears.1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
As leaders, we may fear making difficult decisions or initiating challenging and confrontational talks with co-workers who need guidance. We must, however, work to overcome this fear so we can lead wisely, confront those who need it and let go of projects and people as required.
Luke 12:11-12 says, ”When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
I also believe in the Holy Spirit's guidance when making difficult decisions or talking with my co-workers. We must be courageous in standing up for what we believe is right and taking responsibility for steering people, organisations, or companies as God guides.
It's not about you! It's about the people!
Leaders have to focus on the bigger picture. As Jesus followers in the workplace, we should introduce Jesus to others. The occasions when this is possible are, however, rare. And when they occur, we often misuse them. But when we live day in and day out, serving the people around us and not putting our needs first, this will become a good testimony. We can ask God to give us Jesus' attitude, as described in chapter two of Philippians. People will take note when we give up on our own and serve our colleagues because this is not a typical pattern in this world.
Jesus came from heaven to earth with no sin and died for us just because He loves us. Nothing we do deserves that. Your sphere of influence is for His glory, not yours.
The ultimate Leadership challenge is to lead like Jesus!
May we lead with wisdom and take responsibility for our actions. Let’s expect good things from people and anticipate positive outcomes, always remembering that we live, work and lead to serve Jesus. The ultimate goal of our leadership is to glorify him.
Let us end with the call to live and lead like Jesus given in Philippians 2:
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on the cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honour and gave him the name above all other names, that in the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. “ Php 2:3–11(NLT)
Written by Elizabeth Strauss