Follow Jesus’ example (Introduction)
This blog launches a new series on excellence in leadership. Drawn from Chapter 11 of my book “More Than Your Business Card,” it explores Jesus’ conduct as the perfect example we are called to imitate.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”
Many excellent books have been written on the topic of leadership and how leaders should think, speak, and act. The greatest example for Christian leaders should always be Jesus. He is our role model not only for life in general but more specifically for how we conduct ourselves at work.
According to one definition, a leader is someone who has followers. While this can mean anyone from a celebrity with a large following to a senior executive of a large corporation, we will focus on leadership as it pertains to the marketplace. Effective leadership includes inspiring staff, delegating to staff, and holding staff to account for results.
At first blush, a “follower-leader” would appear to be an oxymoron since these two roles seem mutually exclusive.
These assertions beg two questions: Can leaders be followers? If so, whom or what do they follow? At first blush, a “follower-leader” would appear to be an oxymoron since these two roles seem mutually exclusive. This is especially the case for CEOs. While they are accountable to boards of directors, their role is to lead the organization. The reality, however, is that everyone, including CEOs, follows something, if not someone. For example, leaders who do not believe in Jesus follow paths dictated by their beliefs and values, as well as by decisions they have made concerning business and personal goals.
In contrast, Christian marketplace leaders follow someone, not something. They are “follower-leaders” who imitate and are accountable to Jesus. Their professional leadership is subordinate to their identity as children of God. As Jesus’ followers, they are called to place the first priority on trusting and obeying him not only in their personal lives but also in their roles as leaders.
In the New Testament, Jesus invites everyone, including marketplace leaders, to become followers. On one occasion, a wealthy young leader asked Jesus what good things he needed to do to obtain eternal life. Jesus surprised him with His answer: “If you want to be perfect, go and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he had many possessions (Matthew 19:21–22).
Jesus’ reply does not mean He is calling marketplace leaders to leave the marketplace and become pastors. Rather, He is simply calling everyone to accept His free invitation to follow Him in all aspects of life. From personal experience, I know that following this command will inevitably lead to uncomfortable choices from time to time. However, the joy of being in relationship with Jesus makes such discomfort worthwhile and a privilege.
As discussed in chapter 6 of “More Than Your BusinessCard,” God is perfect in all His ways. Among other things, this truth implies that Jesus, as the eternally existent second person of the Godhead, is perfect. His example in every area of life, including leadership, should inform how the Christian marketplace leader thinks, speaks, and acts. Let’s further explore Jesus’ example as the role model for Christian leaders.
Next week - Great leaders are mission driven.
Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay
