June, 2004 

“How Would Jesus Lead?”

I recently attended a tele-conference, featuring some of Corporate America’s greatest leaders as well as some of the Church’s most inspiring speakers.  You know what they all agreed?  That Jesus represents the greatest leadership role model of all time!  You might say, “That’s fine for you, Pastor, you are a leader, but I am not a church leader!”  But to you I would pose this question: Have you ever attempted to influence the thinking or actions of someone in your work, family, home, church or community?  If the answer to that question is “yes,” then you have acted as a leader.  So then the question becomes:  When you lead, do you lead like Jesus?

In order to lead like Jesus would (and DID) lead, we must do so in four ways:  1.) Lead with your HEART.  You must be so surrendered to God that in your heart you find fulfillment in what you are doing.  In your heart, you know that you have found that “sweet spot” of living and leading according to God’s will, and you are doing so with an attitude of humility, not egotistical pride.  2.) Lead with your HEAD.  You recognize that having a clearly communicated purpose will best direct the efforts of your team.  And you understand that it’s ultimately God’s truth, not mere sincerity that validates your efforts.  3.) Lead with your HANDS. Are you first a willing servant?  Are you on your knees in prayer? And on your hands and knees serving those you would lead?  Remember that Jesus, the great teacher first washed the feet of His disciples.  And 4.) Lead with your HABITS.  It is necessary to pay more than “lip service” to the foregoing items.  If you are going to lead like Jesus, you must let these leadership techniques become habits.  To do so requires a structured discipline that will not come by accident, but must be intentional and consistent.

Ultimately, those who lead like Jesus are those who seek to serve, not for their own glory, but for the glory of God.  That’s how Jesus lead, when He lead the way to the cross – and through the cross to everlasting life.  May you follow Jesus’ lead!  In His Name.