Jesus Style Leadership 4 - Sent & TeamSample

Walk the Talk

Leadership Lesson

Jesus-style leaders live in a way that reveals Jesus.

Read 1 Peter 3:8, 13–16.

Comment

Secular leadership researchers are discovering that the most effective leaders are highly relational. That’s not a new insight. It’s exactly what Peter is saying here. If you want to influence others and have them hear the gospel, then you had better be a nice person who builds strong mutual relationships—sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble (3:8). That’s the way we treat others when Jesus is our Lord (3:15). This “good” behaviour will attract lots of respect and questions and will allow us to give a gentle and respectful reason for the hope we have in Jesus. If you don’t believe this, try it. Of course, not everyone will be impressed, and we may suffer because of this. Some will feel threatened by our lifestyle or will be angry at our beliefs, and they may lash out. But we are not to be threatened or worried by this, and neither are we to react. We keep living and speaking with gentle love, and let our lives and words display Jesus. I know this is a challenging way to live, but you have been “sent” by Jesus to change your world, and this is the way to do it. Walk the talk.

Prayer

Please help me reveal You to those I influence, Jesus. I want so much for those I live with and work with to see You in my actions and hear You in my words. Give me the courage to humbly live Your way, whether my lifestyle is creating deep questions or angry responses. I long to have people ask me questions about the hope that is in me. Use me, Lord.

Personal Reflection

Has any not-yet-Christian recently asked you about your lifestyle or hope? Why do you think this is the case? Are you mainly receiving positive or negative reactions to the way you live? Why?