by. Rev. James Wong What I learn from the Leadership of Jesus
Last week I shared with you the DNA of Christian Leadership. I have covered the first two important characteristics. They are (1) Having a serving and giving attitude like Jesus Christ according to his life mission statement recorded in Mark 10:45. (2) Christian leadership must be founded on one single motivation: Loving God wholeheartedly and loving people fervently as this is the summary of all the laws of God (Mark 12:30-31).This week we will continue to talk about the DNA of Christian Leadership.
3. A humble and learning attitude.
Jesus said an adult does not even stand a chance of entering heaven without the humble attitude of a child (Matthew 18:1-4). Paul said we should learn from the humility of Jesus Christ. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT).
Francis Quarles, an English Poet said this: "If thou desire the love of God and man, be humble; for the proud heart, as it loves none but itself, so it is believed of none but by itself; the voice of humility is God's music, and the silence of humility is God's rhetoric. Humility enforces where neither virtue nor strength can prevail nor reason.”
4. Faith in God’s Providence.
God’s business is a business of faith. Faith is forward looking and looking beyond. It is trusting in the providence of God rather than in the resources at our disposal. Sometimes, the way to see by faith is to shut the eyes of reason because faith can move mountains. Jesus said: "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:22-25 NIV).
5. A Forgiving Heart.
Without this DNA it is very difficulty to last in Christian leadership knowing the unique nature of it. You must be prepared to be hurt when you assume the leadership role. The earlier you know this the earlier the better for you. The greatest challenge that comes to you may be from the people who are closest to you. Their unfavorable remarks can cut into your bones! No medicine can heal that. Without self healing your leadership will expire. You lose focus and you give up.
Peter asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?“ Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matt 18:21-22). When we are wounded in leading others healing comes from our willingness to forgive. (to be continued next week)
Last week I shared with you the DNA of Christian Leadership. I have covered the first two important characteristics. They are (1) Having a serving and giving attitude like Jesus Christ according to his life mission statement recorded in Mark 10:45. (2) Christian leadership must be founded on one single motivation: Loving God wholeheartedly and loving people fervently as this is the summary of all the laws of God (Mark 12:30-31).This week we will continue to talk about the DNA of Christian Leadership.
3. A humble and learning attitude.
Jesus said an adult does not even stand a chance of entering heaven without the humble attitude of a child (Matthew 18:1-4). Paul said we should learn from the humility of Jesus Christ. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:5-7 NLT).
Francis Quarles, an English Poet said this: "If thou desire the love of God and man, be humble; for the proud heart, as it loves none but itself, so it is believed of none but by itself; the voice of humility is God's music, and the silence of humility is God's rhetoric. Humility enforces where neither virtue nor strength can prevail nor reason.”
4. Faith in God’s Providence.
God’s business is a business of faith. Faith is forward looking and looking beyond. It is trusting in the providence of God rather than in the resources at our disposal. Sometimes, the way to see by faith is to shut the eyes of reason because faith can move mountains. Jesus said: "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:22-25 NIV).
5. A Forgiving Heart.
Without this DNA it is very difficulty to last in Christian leadership knowing the unique nature of it. You must be prepared to be hurt when you assume the leadership role. The earlier you know this the earlier the better for you. The greatest challenge that comes to you may be from the people who are closest to you. Their unfavorable remarks can cut into your bones! No medicine can heal that. Without self healing your leadership will expire. You lose focus and you give up.
Peter asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?“ Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matt 18:21-22). When we are wounded in leading others healing comes from our willingness to forgive. (to be continued next week)
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