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Leading to Jesus

1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ 

    Today I conclude my "series" on leadership with one final thought. As we strive to lead like Jesus we must remember that we are not Jesus. 
    We have to lead always giving Him the glory and not ourselves. When people look to us for guidance we must always remind ourselves (and them) that we are role models, not idols.

Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before me. (ESV)

    We must never put those that look up to us in a position to be disappointed. We, as humans, cannot hold that position in others' hearts. While we can be an example of Jesus, we can never live in complete perfection. The truth is that no matter how hard we try, we will always disappoint and fail others. And when we do, what will they rely on?

    We need to be conscious of how others view us and also how we accept their views. We don't want to lead anyone into disappointment but rather lead them to the One who never disappoints! As leaders, we need to be prepared to address others when their view of us is unhealthy. We need to remind them that we make mistakes. But the beauty of it all is that there is grace and there is Jesus who has already done it all for us! Remind others that we have it all available to us through Him.

    Additionally, we need to check ourselves that our leadership does not make us forget that we still need Him. When He exalts us, we might start to feel invincible and all-knowing. That is a dangerous place to be. It might even put us in a place where He is forced to humble us again. To prevent that, we must always keep in mind how far from perfection we are and how much we actually do need Him.

    In summary, being a good leader is all about being like Jesus. As we draw near to Him, He changes us into more of His likeness. As we become more and more like Him, others can see a unique personification of Jesus through us!  Amazingly, He transforms all that He created in us into another facet of His image. Therefore, others can follow our example as role models as we follow the example of Christ.

2 Corinthians And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (ESV)

Matthew 23:12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (ESV)

Philippians 2:5-11
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.  (NIV)

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