In today's culture, we truly lack a vision of authentic leadership. One can look at the world today and see the void of leadership. From the public to the private sector, we can feel the crisis of authentic leadership.
One reason we lack leaders is because we fail to define what a leader is. Zig Ziglar is credited for saying, "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time." Definitions are needed for every role, including being a husband, father, mother, son, etc. We perish without a vision.
Another reason we lack leaders is that we use the wrong metrics in defining a leader. In a commercially driven world, we tend to equate financial success with good leadership. This is one of the reasons why America continues to produce poor leadership. It is measured in dollars and not by values.
Jesus gives us a great example of a true leader. Let's read Matthew 20:24-28.
25 Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. -- Matthew 20:24-28 (CSB)
In this passage, he uses Gentile leadership as an example to his disciples of how not to behave. He said gentile leadership lords over people and acts as tyrants. A tyrant is a person who is cruel and oppressive in their leadership. Jesus says that leaders are to be servants. Authentic leadership is being a servant, not a tyrant.
Here is some leadership principles I see in this passage:
Leadership is not about a title - Jesus is the son of God and had every right to flaunt his position. But here he is saying he came to serve! If you study the gospels, you will see His style of leadership. Titles may give authority, but they do not define leadership. Also, some use titles to flaunt their power and enrich themselves. Power is not in your position but in your posture toward the people you serve.
Leadership requires Humility - humility is a modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness. Unfortunately, we characterize leaders as people with pride. Who puff themselves up. Pride is self-seeking. Humility is selfless. The scripture is true:
18 Pride comes before destruction,
and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly of spirit with the humble
than to divide plunder with the proud. -- Proverbs 16:18-19 (CSB)
Leadership requires sacrifice - ultimately, Jesus said he came to give his life for many. This is what leadership feels like—giving our time, talent, and treasure to a cause. The highs and lows of leadership. Investing in people. The sleepless nights, the meetings, long hours, stress, etc. It's all about sacrifice!
But it's all worth it! Leadership is a great privilege. Jesus now has a name that we still talk about thousands of years later. God rewarded him for his humility and sacrifice. Leaders, may we use Him as an example of how to lead people today, and may we be an example of our world of authentic leadership.
Comments