Jesus Style Leadership 2 - Love & HeartSample

Being a Shepherd

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders are good shepherds.

Read 1 Peter 5:1-6.

Comment

I love this passage. It so clearly describes the heart of Christian leadership. Leaders are shepherds. In the first century, shepherds would look after a small flock of sheep by getting to know them, guiding them to good pasture, protecting them from wild animals, and caring for them when they were injured. This is a picture of our job as Jesus-style leaders (5:2). God has given us a flock to serve. We are not all that interested in attention or benefits, but we are keen to lead by example (5:3). Our example will influence those we lead far more than our words. We want those we influence to see Jesus in the way we serve and lead them. Part of our example as young leaders is our submission to those in authority over us (5:5). It’s easy for younger leaders to think that they have the answers. In some instances, this may be true, but if you can’t submit to spiritual authority, you will not develop spiritual authority. I hope that you’re seeing how consistent the Bible is about the kind of leaders God wants. At the heart of Jesus-style leadership lie serving, humility, and godly example.

Prayer

Lord, you know my heart. I really do want to please You and shepherd those You have given me to serve and influence. May my example reflect Your love and goodness. May my submission to those who lead me show my desire to serve rather than have my own way. I humbly accept Your direction and the guidance of those who are my leaders. Make me into a good shepherd.

Personal Reflection

It’s easy to submit to your leaders when you agree with them. The test of your submission is when you disagree. Have you ever submitted willingly to someone in authority when you thought they were wrong?