Imagine the many different angles on leadership in the diverse world. We, as a people, come from so many different backgrounds, experiences, cultures, values, etc. Your story and knowledge of other people's stories help shape your image of what a good or bad leader is. The thing is, you are a leader in your example, no matter your location, occupation, role, etc. Everyone has a call to leadership in their arenas of life. So, what kind of leader will you be?
Jesus was consistently strong, humble, and serving. Those three traits were present as a part of His foundation. He was real, not fake. Here's a huge example for us: since He was truly connected to God, and agreed with what God said was important, He had a genuine heart for people. He truly cares for them. He really loves them. God worked through Jesus to reach His people. He wants to do the same with us! I remember an old truth about this. People used to ask strangers, neighbors, friends to church so the pastor could try to "save" them. I found out that wasn't necessarily our calling. I found out that I was the church. I found out that He wanted me to take the church to the people. He wanted me to trust Him that He would arrange divine encounters I was to not shy away from. He was counting on me to share with whoever I come in contact with. He is saying I can do what Jesus did! What an amazing calling to participate in! We get to join God in his joy and pleasure, not work, to love His people. (You ever say that? "I'm going to joy and pleasure", instead of "going to work"?) With joy, Jesus sacrificed and suffered for us. We should too. That's humility. And it takes the strength of a true servant's heart to pull it off. Can't do it on my own. Left to my own devices, I can't be humble, strong, and serving. I'm too weak and selfish. I know the context is about salvation, but Jesus said what is impossible for man, is possible with God. And He is with me. He can do this through me, in spite of me. This is my time. Nobody else is in my personal, particular position: married to that person, parent to those kids, working that job, etc. He is counting on me, right now, at this very special time period in His-story to love His people.
A leader takes time to grow to full potential. From little acorns, mighty oaks grow. We just need to stay connected to the One that can bring fruit in our lives. Let your roots sink deep into relationship with Him. Over time, you can have that same, solid foundation Jesus had. Some of us, get a very strong response to His salvation because of the distance we have fallen. Think of the prodigal son or even Paul. They were both radical rebels, gone astray. They had major reformation come their way. And they were never the same. Alot of people that get saved late in life have this same response. They know the height from which they have fallen, the distance they have come from death to life. And it inspires a passion for Christ that sometimes seems greater than one who grew up in the church even. Doesn't matter. There's room, purpose, and invitation for all. I'm just saying everyone has their place and calling to leadership. He may use an old redneck, rebel to preach to millions, or He may use a housewife to be a leading example. Both are exactly the same in importance.
A good leader will count the cost. He will consider what this really means. He will commit to a full-hearted effort to allow the Father to accomplish His will here on Earth as it is in heaven. He has decided this is the best way to live. He trusts the Lord that putting God as the leader of his life is the best plan he could enact, better than if he, himself, were in charge. He has decided to be a man of prayer, compassion, generosity, faith, courage. He believes in action and response. He understands his time is short. He knows the importance of people and God wanting everyone to come to Him. He realizes his personal purity and responsibility matter. He knows people are watching and learning from his example. He is able to be real in every circle, for he is grounded in humility, strength, and has a servant's heart, because he is connected to the very One who demonstrated how to be the Man of Leadership.
