Christ’s Model of Leadership (CML)

How did Jesus lead?

Think about Jesus as a leader in today’s world. How would that look? What do you think?

Here is what I don’t think.

I know I don’t think about His office being on the top floor. I don’t think about Him being dressed in the best. I don’t think about Him “rubbing elbows” with the big shots, or frankly, being a big shot Himself. I don’t think about the lavish parties, expensive cars, or His net worth in dollars, either.

Instead, Jesus was a friend of sinners. Yes, I love the Casting Crowns’ song, “Jesus, Friend of Sinners.” He associated with everyday folk. He didn’t associate with the wealthy. No, His friends were everyday sinners.

Think about it: Would His disciples have been yours? Would you choose your team in a similar manner? What would your role be?

As a leader, Jesus has inspired countless books. Rightly so, for He was perfect in every way.

Briefly, let’s look at a few key traits of Christ’s Model of Leadership (CML).

Selfless

One of my favorite quotes about humility, I heard from Clint Hurdle, manager of the Pirates. He said, “There are two kinds of people: Those who are humble and those who are about to be.” Jesus never had to worry about that, and His followers never had to worry, either. The Beatitudes do not describe selfishness. In addition, love is not described as selfish as in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

The world today comes across far more frequently as selfish instead of selfless. I don’t know; maybe we’re confused. We often do not read or hear news about selfless leaders. We certainly hear about selfish ones. Business, politics, churches, and others all have their horror stories.

Once again, however, Jesus sets the tone. He shows us a selfless version of love and humility. He served to love and loved to serve. Furthermore, He sacrificed Himself for the sin of mankind. Let’s look more closely at how Jesus served others.

Serve

Jesus came to serve (Matthew 20:28). He did not come to be pampered. He came to serve. He started with serving God, our Father. He wanted to be obedient (Hebrews 10:7). Everything Jesus did, He did to glorify God the Father. In obeying, Jesus also served.

Many of the miracles Christ performed were in service. Christ modeled perfectly what we are to do: show our love for God through lovingly serving our neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). Jesus showed love to His followers by washing their feet. Peter appeared appalled when Jesus offered to do so. In Jesus’ perfect way, though, He showed him how we are to put others first (John 13:5-15).

How would this look today? While it may not be common, it is possible. Servant leaders, for example, put their followers first (Greenleaf.org).

Imagine a culture in which the leader focused on the development of his or her followers.

Would it be a more trusting, positive environment?

How would a leader like Jesus affect productivity?

Would you feel more valued as a worker? Would you feel differently going to work?

In serving, Jesus sacrificed.

Sacrifice

Through His sacrifice, we are saved (1Peter 2:24). Most of us have seen movies depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I try to remind my family that what we see on screen is a glamorized version of what Jesus actually went through. Jesus lived purposefully. He practiced what He preached. He loved others before Himself. I read an account that made me think of the pain He endured. I’m not talking just the physical pain. I’m also talking about the pain of being separated from God the Father (Matthew 27:46). I’m talking about bearing the sins of the world (John 1:29).

Now, obviously, we aren’t able to sacrifice the way Jesus did.

How might our sacrifices look, though?

Could we live with more integrity and intention while trying to see the good in others? Could we sacrifice our interests to consider the greater whole? More importantly, could we show the love of Christ through us to others? Wouldn’t these ways fulfill the Greatest Commandments of loving God and loving our neighbor?

Final Thoughts

We will never be what Jesus is, but we can strive to be more like Him every day. When we find ourselves thinking about our situations (i.e., “my” goals, “my” desires, how “I” am affected, etc.), remember we remove the focus of God and place that on ourselves (see Francis Chan’s Enduring Suffering).

Aren’t we supposed to empty ourselves so we can be filled more completely with Jesus?

God makes us new (2 Corinthians 5:17) if we get out of the way.

A great question to ask ourselves is this: How can people see God in us if we are so full of ourselves?

Leaders, learn to lead selflessly. Approach others with love and humility. Leaders, learn to lead by serving others. In doing so, you will be leading selflessly as well. Leaders, learn to lead by sacrificing your motives and desires for the greater good of your organization.

You will notice you will feel better about yourself, your followers, and your organization. You will get a charge unlike others. More importantly, you will be leading in a manner consistent with scriptures. Furthermore, you will be following the pattern of the greatest leader the world has ever known: Jesus Christ.

#leadership #servantleadership #JesusChrist #leadlikeJesus #leadlikeChrist #Christledleadership