Articles
Following Christ as a Leader
Following Christ as a Leader
By Derek Long
Jesus came and left us the perfect example for us to
follow in every area of our life. 1 Peter 2:21-22 says, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.’” Jesus Himself said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). The life of Jesus provides us with a template for how to live our lives. If we don’t know what to do, it is good to look to Jesus’ example.
Jesus provides those in positions of leadership a perfect example of how to lead others. The Bible speaks of husbands as being the, “head of the wife; as also Christ is head of the church” (Ephesians 5:23) and uses the example of Christ to show how husbands are to lead their wives. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Husbands would do well to consider the example of Christ when it comes to how they serve as a leader in their homes. Elders are called upon to lead God’s people. 1Peter 5:1-3 says, “The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly, nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” Elders are reminded of their responsibility to “Shepherd the flock of God.” Then 1 Peter 5:4 says, “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” Elders are to shepherd the flock of God but need to remember their greatest example of what shepherding the flock of God looks like comes from Jesus who is the Chief Shepherd. Are we following Jesus’ example when it comes to our leadership roles in life?
Jesus shows leaders must be selfless. Philippians 2:3-8 says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” In leading others, it is important our focus does not become on ourselves. A leader who follows Jesus’ example will not focus on his own interests but will consider the needs and desires of others. John 13 is a great example of how Jesus demonstrated service to His disciples by washing their feet when He was their Lord and Teacher. Leaders must be willing
to do lowly acts of service for those they are leading if they are to follow Jesus’ example as a leader. Jesus told the apostles, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-28). Do we serve others as a leader as Jesus did?
Jesus shows leaders need to love. Many verses speak of the great love Jesus displayed for mankind in coming to earth to die for our sins (John 15:12-13; 1 John 3:16; etc.). Jesus says of Himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Shepherds lead a flock of sheep but good shepherds are motivated by love for their sheep. Leaders must possess love for those they are leading to imitate the example of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 gives a description of what true love is like. When we are leading others, do we display the qualities listed as making up love with those we are leading?
Jesus shows leaders need to have diligence. Jesus was busy doing the work He had laid out for Him to do. He says, “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Leaders need to be diligent in leading other. Romans 12:8 says, “he who leads, with diligence.” Leaders cannot afford to be lazy. Leaders cannot have the attitude of sitting back and letting others do all the work. Leaders who imitate the example of Jesus will be a hard and diligent worker. Do we display diligence as a leader like Jesus does?
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