Regardless of how long someone has been involved in leadership, there will always be times when leaders need to retreat to a place of refuge, a place of solitude where they find peace.
Also, leaders need a style of leadership that allows others who follow the opportunity to find that place of safety, a place where they can trust in their leadership to provide security.
Even Jesus knew the value of a refuge.
Let us focus on these truths as the foundation for our own leadership.
What is the “best day ever?”
From a spiritual leadership perspective, the idea has a whole new meaning. The best day ever occurred at the resurrection of Jesus.
Here is where Jesus defeated Satan. Here is where the fear of death was removed. Here is where hope of something better beyond this life was given.
Christianity is based on this fact! Without the resurrection, Paul describes the tragedy that exists in being a Christian (1 Co. 15:12-19).
The resurrection changes everything in how we lead others.
There is something worth living and dying for, something worth leading for…because He lives!
Jesus described His disciples as salt and light. These terms identify influence in the realm to which they are applied. Thus, Christians are to be an influence in the world.
Our influence is determined by words, attitudes, conduct / behavior, and activities.
Christians have been known to get as close to the line of worldliness as possible in order to have this influence. Many have selected close relationships with non-Christians with this in mind. Sadly, the influence is often reversed and Christians can be drawn away from their convictions.
Let us be careful how we influence others.
We understand the importance of having proper representation. This is true in the realm of law, and the same is true in standing before God.
We do not want to stand before Him alone. We need proper representation, and that representative is Jesus.
Leaders are also representatives. Followers need those they can turn to who will help, guide, protect, advocate, and provide representation.
Representing others indicates an activity designed for someone else, literally a wider group of others. The application to leadership is rather fitting.
Modeling the characteristics found in Christ is a great starting point for fulfilling the need in our own leadership.
All of us walk one path or another. Jesus taught there are only two possibilities. Where do these paths lead?
The narrow path implies challenges that make the path difficult.
The broad path implies a level of ease and no difficulties.
However, we must also consider the end result. Where does the path we walk on lead? The narrow path, even though challenging, leads to eternal life. The broad path, as appealing as it seems with its comfort and ease, leads to eternal destruction.
Leadership increases the responsibility to consider an important question. Where does the path lead for those who follow our leadership?
To lead like Jesus is to love God and others with all of our being. Jesus did not love God or others when it was convenient or suited His personal desires.
In modern terminology, Jesus was “all in.” Nothing stood between Him and serving His Father in ways that demonstrated loyalty and faithfulness.
Jesus was also completely focused on both the physical and spiritual needs of others.
We can learn much in striving to fulfill this one thought, “If you want to lead, lead like Jesus.”
If we truly desire to lead, we need to give more thought to how we lead.
How do we determine our identity?
There is a difference between the way we judge ourselves and the way others judge us. We judge ourselves by our intentions, but others judge us by our actions.
Thomas Jefferson once said, “Action will delineate and define you.”
Our identity is not so much based on our actions, but the actions of someone else. The actions of Jesus delineate and define us. Because of His actions we learn who we are and what we do.
Thankfully, God’s wisdom preordained an avenue by which we find our identity as His children.
In marketing, a company seeks the right angle to motivate people to purchase their product.
Sadly, trillions of dollars are spent globally to learn how to entice consumers to participate in what they do best…consume.
Spiritually, the result leads to what is often called the “attractional” church. The idea is to provide some sort of gimmick in the form of a program or activity that will attract people to “come in” and find Jesus.
However, Jesus provided a different marketing strategy that ensures success. This strategy involves “going out,” what is identified as “missional.”
We need missional leaders today.
Conveyance involves the action of making an idea, feeling, or impression known or understandable to someone.
The bottom line is communication. Leaders must be good communicators. They know the vision, mission, and values that drive the organization.
When the story of God’s mission unfolds in the life of Jesus, the heart of His vision, mission, and values conveys hope with eternal ramifications.
It changed the lives of 3,000 people on the day of Pentecost.
Numerous disciples / apostles suffered and died to see others obey it.
The message has the same power to save two thousand years later.
Let us lead with conveyance.
Peter clearly points out that Jesus suffered, leaving an example to follow in His steps.
Peter’s first letter is one that acknowledges the need for Christians to prepare for suffering, not to be surprised when suffering occurs, and to know that when they suffer as Christians they are blessed.
Would we think differently about the words of the song, “Oh To Be Like Thee,” if we knew that we were asking to suffer as Jesus suffered?
We often hear, “Lead like Jesus.” Will our leadership involve suffering for the cause of the Lord? Are we willing to lead like Him?