When most people think of leadership, they picture a military officer giving out orders, a king lording it over his subjects or an employer closely supervising his employees, making sure all the work gets done. These aspects can be part of leadership, but they are not the essence of spiritual leadership. Spiritual leadership is the opposite of what most people think.
Spiritual leadership is primarily servant leadership. Jesus Christ Himself taught us, "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). Jesus was most definitely a leader. He was the leader of the twelve disciples, as well as a greater group of followers (Luke 10:1-17). Jesus did not lead by giving out orders or by supervising. Jesus led by being a servant and serving alongside of His followers.
Spiritual leadership involves humility - humbling oneself in order to do the tasks that no one else wants to do. In Jesus' time, the act of washing feet was to be assigned to the lowest of servants. However, at the last supper, Jesus humbled Himself and washed the disciples' feet. Afterwards he declared, "Do you understand what I have done for you? ... You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them" (John 13:12-17).
Genuine spiritual leadership, characterized by a spirit of humility and service, will cause people to follow you because they want to, not because they have to. Genuine humility in spiritual leadership is attractive. People want to follow a person who serves alongside them and sets an example for them. Perhaps the Apostle Paul sums it up best, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Spiritual leadership insists on humility - the attitude of putting others ahead of yourself, and considering others more important than yourself. Thinking too highly of yourself prevents you from genuinely caring for others. Humility enables leaders to serve others wholeheartedly and, in doing so, set an example that others will follow.
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of spiritual leadership. Let's not be swayed by popular opinion or a desire to popular. Let's follow Christ's example only!
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