Leadership is often viewed as a luxury, but it is not. It's a necessity. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) reminds us that, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." That's exactly what leadership provides: a vision that brings direction, clarity and purpose.
Every time God would do something in the Bible (and even today), He would call a leader to rise up and to be used to advance His purpose and glory. God calls each and everyone of us to be leaders. But what kind of leaders should we be? Who's example can we follow?
Here are three marks to Jesus' leadership that we can apply into our own lives.
Leadership through humble service
One character that marked Jesus' leadership was His humility. Philippians 2:6-7 describes Jesus' humility beautifully saying, "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."
Jesus' style of leadership is service brought about by a heart of humility. This is the example He taught the disciples (Mark 10:43, Matthew 20:26)- leading by first serving out of a heart that exudes humility
Being an example
Leadership is not about imposing authority but about living as an example. Do the things you ask of people under your influence come out of your own lifestyle? Jesus was one who lead by example often practicing before commanding.
1 Timothy 4:12 urges us to "...set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." Our leadership is not marked by age, limitations or knowledge but by the example we set for others to follow.
Sharing the win with others
In one of Jesus' parables, He shares the story of a master who assigned talents to His servants. To the servants that were faithful, He invited them to "come and share your master's happiness!" Jesus was referring to His heart to share the joy, glory and benefits of labor with those who serve well.
Today, leadership is too much about taking credit whereas Jesus' way is to share the win with others. In our leadership are we one to take all credit or one to give credit where it is due?
