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What is a leader and what makes him good and effective? According to a professor and author, Brene Brown, a leader is someone who holds himself accountable for finding the potential in people and processes. Well, it’s true. If he’s a good one then he’s not just someone who gives guidance and direction to the people he’s leading. But he’s also gifted with the ability to see in everyone how promising they can be if given the right training and guidance. He even feels accountable for the growth of everyone who’s part of his team.
On a side note, Psalms 139:14 stated that God has created us fearfully and wonderfully. Yes, He even referred to us as His masterpiece in Ephesians 2:10. That’s how special we all are to God! He has never neglected any of us. His faithfulness to His children remains the same from the beginning. But everyone’s aware we’re products of a fallen creation. A creation that’s perfectly put up in the beginning but was then flawed because of the wrong choices our fore-parents. And this act of carelessness resulted to us being separated from our Maker and be thrown far from the abundant life God has originally prepared for us. With this being said, we should have been left with no hope and comfort. But being rich in mercy and love, God gave Himself away.
He knows us before we are even born, says Jeremiah 1:5. We may have gone astray, but through Him we were given the chance to be a new man, created in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). And created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). It is His ultimate goal to redeem mankind, His most precious creation, and to restore the broken relationship caused by sin. And so, Jesus came to earth and during His ministry, He had stayed focus on the course, displaying a correct and constant style of leadership. This made a major impact in the lives of everyone even up to this day, showing us a perfect example of what a good and effective leadership is.
So what makes Jesus a good and effective leader? Several times He was quoted saying, “Come and follow me”. It only means “to do what He does” rather than “to do what He says”. He could have used His status and power to command and control everyone. But He chose to show us how to develop our character--- a character which centers on having a Christ-like heart of servant. Matthew 20:28 tells us that He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.
Jesus walked and worked with whom He wants to serve. In doing these things, He had demonstrated what true service means and He even challenged everyone to follow that example--- to be like Him (Ephesians 5:1-2). He taught us that anyone who wants to be first must be the very last and the servant of all (Mark 9:35). Look how completely different God’s definition of being a leader is from the definition the world gives to it. Being a leader is not just to boss around. With the example God has shown, there’s definitely more deeper meaning to it.
Jesus had a great vision for humanity. He had declared in Jeremiah 29:11 that He knows the plans He has for us, a plan to prosper and never to harm us, to always give us hope and a future. Jesus knows what we do not know. He sees the bigger picture for all His creation, since the beginning until the end of time. It is His desire that all men be saved and to come unto the knowledge of truth (1Timothy 2:1). And that He is the only way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6); and salvation is found in no one else but Him (Acts 4:12).
Jesus communicated effectively. He had listened attentively and responded appropriately to others. Jesus used different methods to convey His message to everyone. He used many parables (Mark 3:34), drawing spiritual truth from everyday life so everyone can relate. He also used figures of speech to get the people’s attention. He used catchy sayings to make it easy to remember (e.g. Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned). Jesus led His listeners to conclusion by asking a lot of questions as well. He also sometimes used objects or lessons to demonstrate what He really means like when He washed the feet of the disciples to teach servant leadership (John 13:3–17). He called a little child to Him to discuss childlike faith (Matthew 18:1–4)]. Jesus used repetitions. Sometimes He taught the same topics like His death and resurrection over and over again (source: research.lifeway.com). With His different methods, He was able to deliver a message effectively and inspiringly, leaving a lasting impact that it has been spread from generation to generation.
Jesus has bound His people together. He had called His disciples from different walks of life. There were fishermen, tax collectors, a missionary, a treasurer, and a doctor. All of them have different personalities. But their belief in Jesus and the mission He had given to them which is preaching the gospel to all nations after His resurrection, is what glued them together to continue what Jesus had started. The same mission had been passed down to us. And our belief in Jesus is what makes our heart and mind become one (Acts 4:32), now there is no Jews nor Gentiles, neither slaves nor free, nor is there male and female (Galatians 3:28), because we are of one Spirit, baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). As we are one in Him, we learn to set aside our differences and pride, so we can all work together for His glory.
Although the ministry of Jesus on earth was short, His good and effective leadership style had created a significant effect, because up to our generation we can feel His power and influence. Through His Words (The Bible), He continues to motivate, inspire, transform, and revive people back to Him. His promises drive His children forward with passion, enthusiasm, and inspiration toward the goal of eternal life with Him. His Spirit in us reinforces us to keep going, showing us how our efforts are making differences, and encourages us to continue to develop our potential to be used in His ministry. His display of integrity becomes our guide in our decisions, behavior, and dealing with others. Now, we fashion ourselves to imitate Him, walking in love, just as He loves us and gave Himself up for all of us (Ephesians 5:1-2).
