“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26)
Who will be the next great leaders? And where will they come from?
Name the truly great men and women of your lifetime. War heroes, sports figures, visionaries and inventors, coaches, pastors, and maybe your parents or friends come to mind. You remember them, and think of them as leaders, because of certain acts or character qualities they displayed.
Is there a coach in your past or in the present, who leads and inspires you like nobody else ever could? Maybe a pastor or teacher, who’s wise words and wisdom, have guided you through life? Or is there a friend that you would follow to the ends of the earth? Most of us are blessed to have leaders like these in our lives. Thank you Jesus.
Now, name some biblical heroes—figures etched in your mind through countless sermons, or from reading The Bible. Noah and Abraham, Moses and David, Peter, John and Paul, probably come to mind. And the list goes on and on….
Next, think of the people you know; Your friends, family, co-workers…all those people you come in contact with during your days. And list who you think they would have as leaders on thier list.
Did your name make their list? If not, why not? It’s not being prideful to put your name on the list, if it’s true. If you’re a leader, stand up and be proud. And if you’re not, I would like you to give it some serious thought.
Sure, it may seem that some people are better suited to lead. Maybe they’re more vocal or outgoing…Maybe they’re more educated and seem to have the knowledge needed for the job? Heck, maybe they’re just taller, or easier or see? However, the fact that some people may be better suited doesn’t diminish that fact, that we were all created to lead.
Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26)
We are all created in the image of God. The ultimate leader. And God chose us to lead, when He gave us dominion over all He created in this world.
If there are some excuses that you believe… An excuse that convinces you that you can’t be a great leader in this world, where did it come from? In God’s world, that’s a rhetorical question…we all know the truth. The belief that you can’t be, or are not built to be a leader, comes from the great deceiver himself—Satan.
Jesus knew that Satan would attack the concept of leadership in people’s lives. That’s why he devoted much of His ministry on earth proclaiming and demonstrating God’s leadership principles, right up to His last words from The Cross.
The principles that Jesus taught, serve as the definition and the foundation of what it means to be an effective leader. And the definition of a leader is also reflected in His heart.
Jesus’ principles can apply to leaders in any pursuit. However, His bigger message to His disciples was about leading people to God… Soon they would be armed with the “Good News.” For them, it would soon be time to lead people in building His church.
Here are some of Jesus’ core leadership principles found in The Bible:
Jesus taught that true leaders serve others. They lead by example as they demonstrate the behaviors and values they expect from others.
“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)
Jesus stressed that a leader must always serve others first.
“But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. 27 Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:26-27)
Jesus emphasized leading with love and compassion. He instructed His followers to love one another and to show compassion, reflecting the importance of empathy in leadership.
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13:34)
Jesus highlighted the need for leaders to posses strong integrity and moral character. He taught that integrity is essential. And leaders should be trustworthy and honest in their actions. Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and ‘no’ be ‘no’.
“Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)
You may never lead an army of men, like Washington or MacArthur. You may never lead a team, like coach Lombardi or Tom Brady. However, don’t think for a moment, that you’re not leading somebody, somehow, pretty much every minute of the day.
You see, God made us all as leaders…We lead by what we do and by what we say.
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11)
Jesus desires you to glorify God by being all that He created you to be.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Always remember that your love for God, and your love and compassion for others, is always on display. Don’t make the mistake of waiting for ‘the next leader’ to show up and lead the way. The leader is here…it’s You!
If you’re not already doing so, I encourage you to pick up The Bible, and learn more about this Truth. The Bible does not only teach you about God The Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit, it teaches you about yourself.
You’re here for a reason…to glorify God and lead people to Christ. Serve and honor the Lord with all that you do and all that you say. Be a light for this world—And lead the way!
“I tell you the Truth”
Read The Bible