Jesus Style Leadership 2 - Love & HeartSample

The Importance of Modeling

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders are worth copying.

Read Hebrews 13:7-8.

Comment

Some things change in leadership over time. Leaders need different skills and different approaches as they influence different generations. But Jesus never changes (13:8), and so Jesus-style leaders will have lots in common. Cultures and leadership styles will vary, but a heart for Jesus will always look the same. The writer of Hebrews encourages his readers to look for a heart for Jesus in their leaders and to imitate it. They don’t need to copy their leaders’ personalities, giftings, or leadership styles, but they do need to consider their “way of life” and imitate their “faith.” I guess you have already been doing this. You have probably modeled your heart for Jesus on godly leaders who have impacted you. That’s good. If possible, it’s one of the ways you’re supposed to learn and grow. Godly, spiritual leaders are such an encouragement and help to those who follow them, so keep doing this. But also remember that if your followers respect you, they are already copying your life. You have a long way to grow in your leadership, but you are already modeling Jesus to those you are influencing. Leaders are always being watched. It’s a great privilege and a big responsibility.

Prayer

Thanks for the leaders who have shown me how to follow You, and who have taught me by their character and example. (Name some leaders that have shown you how to follow Jesus well and thank God individually for them.) It scares me to think that people might be modeling themselves on what I say and do. But as this is inevitably the case, help me and use me, Lord. May they see my heart for you being displayed in my character and attitude.

Personal Reflection

Have you followed a leader whose “way of life” encouraged you and helped you grow in godliness? What things do/did you notice in them that you seek to copy?