What image do you have in mind when you think of a leader? Who gets to give orders to individuals, the boss or the employees? Is the owner the one with greater advantages and rights than all others? Is it the tyrant, with his greater power, who uses people to further his own agenda? Today’s world is full of concepts about leadership, but what does Christian leadership actually look like?
Negative impressions
Some people’s perceptions of Christian leadership are tarnished by news reports of financial scandals, sexual abuse, and cults brainwashing its adherents. But what the Bible teaches about Christian leadership is not reflected in these unique examples. The apostle Paul warned masters to treat their people properly, “knowing that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with Him” (Ephesians 6:9). Christian leaders who mistreat their followers have lost this lesson.
Christ is the ultimate example
If we want to learn what Christian leadership should be, we must look to Jesus Christ. Christ is the ultimate example of what Christian leadership should be. What kind of a leader was Jesus? Jesus was a servant. He worked for the benefit of others, not Himself. Shortly before He was taken away to be crucified, He washed the feet of His disciples, a task normally assigned to the lowest servant in a household. Why did He do this? Jesus explained to His disciples, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:13-15).
Serving others
According to what Jesus taught, real leaders put the needs of others above their own power or personal gain. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them,” Jesus said, drawing His disciples closer to Him.That won’t happen to you guys. As the Son of Man came to serve, not to be served, and to give his life as a ransom for many, so too must the mighty among you be your slave and the first among you, your servant (Matthew 20:25-28).
Imitate Christ
Aspire to be like Christ if you wish to follow his model of leadership. He was forgiving and just. He was unbiased and fair. He was holy and compassionate. And He gave service to His disciples. His greatest act of service was to give His life in order to atone for the sins of His people and deliver them from God’s wrath due to their immorality. “Christ died for us while we were still sinners, demonstrating God’s love for us” (Romans 5:8). If the Lord Jesus gave up His life for the unworthy among us, then let the leaders of the people strive to serve the people under them for their own happiness and God’s honor.
