Lead Like Christ: Reflecting the Qualities and Character of Christ In Your Ministry (Audiobook, 2021) by A.W. Tozer, Book Review

I like to think of A.W. Tozer (many have called him a modern-day prophet) as a very bold and manly writer. We need more men of God like him. I'm not comfortable calling a living person a "man of God" anymore because the last time I said that to the late Ravi Zacharias, I was frustrated and ashamed of myself after the exposè. Of course, it's not wrong (if due respect) to call someone a man or woman of God, it is safer for the soul and faith, in my opinion, to reserve that title or honor to the long-gone, time-proven, faithful Christ followers such as A.W. Tozer. Although he passed away in 1963, his influence - writings and Christian living - is critical today. My first encounter with Tozer was through his classic book, The Knowledge of the Holy and also a biography by James L. Snyder entitled A.W. Tozer: In Pursuit of God. I have some issues with Tozer's mysticism but his love for God and His Word surpassed my judgment and is remained central in his life and writings.

Lead Like Christ edited by James Synder for modern readers is a compilation of Tozer's sermons on the Epistle of Paul to Titus which particularly focus on spiritual leadership. If you're looking for a management-side or practical method of leadership, this book is not for you. For that, as I see the importance of knowing how to lead, I would recommend other books. But if you, as Tozer puts it, have "an incurable hunger and thirst for the deep things of God" you will be blessed by this book. His insights on the Scripture, particularly the Letter to Titus, are admirable. His thoughts on the impact of spiritual warfare, the urgent need for sound doctrine, the call of servanthood, the three words he uses to describe Titus (integrity, discretion, and enthusiasm), and more are skillfully articulate to connect to the topic of spiritual leadership. He gives examples of Paul, other apostles and prophets, his contemporaries, and chiefly the Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.

There were times when I have to pause and reflect on what he said and consider my own walk with God and the people I try to lead. As Paul said to another of his mentee, Timothy, "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching" (1 Timothy 4:16), that is, teach "accords with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1). We need more leaders today. But not the worldly kind of leaders. We need Christ-centered leaders that can turn the world upside down with silent obedience and loud character that bring glory to "our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). This is a high calling, Holy Spirit, help us! Amen.

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Jesus' Leadership #31 Educating the People Around Him

There are many ways to sum up the focus of Jesus' time on earth. One verse that can sum up His ministry is in Matthew 4:23, "[Jesus] went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people." He focuses on three things: teaching, preaching and healing. Since teaching is educating the mind and preaching is educating the heart, 2/3 or about 67% of Jesus' ministry was education.

If you read throughout the Scripture, you'll find that when Jesus healed people, nine times out of ten (9/10 or 90%) He educated and commanded them about an attitude change (another aspect of repentance) or a new way of behaving that was to go along with their physical healings. For example, in John 8:11, Jesus said, "Go and sin no more." Although the main point of this verse is to show His authority and lordship, it also gives us a clue that Jesus was very serious about educating the people. Sir Willian Ramsey boldly claimed: "Christianity is the religion of an educated mind."

As leaders, we must put high priority to educate those under our leadership such as employees, workers and followers. A person who becomes a leader today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after. Never stop growing and educating others so that they may grow better and effective. Organized monthly training, send people to beneficial seminars, and spent money on personal development for self and others under your leadership. Horace Mann speaks about the importance of education this way, "A human being is not, in any proper sense, a human being until he is educated." That's also true for leaders!

Jesus educated people, are you?

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Angelus' Quote: Servant Leadership Is > Character but < Style

In his book, Servant Leadership, Robert Greenleaf defines two kinds of leaders. Strong "natural leaders" are those who try to take control, make the decisions, and give the orders in any situation in which they find themselves. They have a need to be in charge. Strong "natural servants," on the other hand, will assume leadership only if they see it as a way in which they can serve.

You would think that "natural leaders" would use a directive, autocratic style while "natural servants" would use a more supportive, participative style. This assumption falls short because it confuses style with character.

I want to be led by strong "natural servants" because they are willing to use whatever leadership style - directive, supportive, or some combination - best serves the needs of those they lead. Remember the primary Biblical image of "servant leadership" is that of the shepherd, because the flock is not there for the sake of the shepherd; the shepherd is there for the sake of the flock.

[Reference: The Heart of a Leader (1999) by Ken Blanchard]

_________

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Jesus' Leadership #30 Lead Based on Holiness or Strictness? Equality or Hierarchies?

In Exodus 20:7, God said, "You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." God only said do not misuse or do not take in vain His name. But the ancient Hebrews in the Old Testament take another level by prohibited the people to even utter the name of God. To me, this is an example of how the religious people distancing the people from God. In the Old Testament God is loving and graceful but at the same time, He is just and righteous. When the people only look at one side of God, He was portrayed as being strict. But actually, God is holy, not strict! Book after book shows that God is holy, so pure that He could not even look at evil, much less tolerate it. But the way the religious people and the entire of the religious system separated people into "worthy" and "unworthy" or "pure" and "impure.” It was right at first (God is holy) but over time it becomes distorted (God is strict, they assumed).

Then came Jesus, the Son of God. When He arrived on the historical scene called the New Testament period, most people by religious standard were considered to be unworthy or impure - some because of their deeds, some because of what they do for a living, some because of their race (for example, Gentiles). In other words, only a precious few were ‘pure' enough even to approach God. In the midst of all these, Jesus declared Himself to be one with the God of the Old Testament when He said, "Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58, refer to the "I am what I am" in Exodus 3:14). Or if it was not clear enough, Jesus said, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). This Jesus, sinless One (see 1 Peter 2:22) or the Holy One – if you read the Gospel stories – are the One who mingled with prostitutes, thieves, and tax collectors. You can imagine how this upset the religious hierarchy. Not only was their made-up God's identity, but their identity (and power base) being threatened.

Jesus, the Son of God, God's image in the human form, treated everyone as equals, unlike the religious leaders of His time. Although He remains holy, He doesn't strict Himself with ‘unworthy' and ‘impure' people. He called fishermen and prostitutes His brothers and sisters. He not only accepted these ‘less-than-pure' individuals, He radiated so much love and mercy for them that people – especially the poor and sinners – swarmed to Him. Even though people might be uncomfortable to be with Him, He nonetheless attracted them to Himself. In His presence, people sense His holiness but strangely it doesn't expel them (only the sinners who think that they are righteous do!). Jesus is holy, not strict! Strictness will produce hierarchies and borders; holiness measures everyone as equal – no hierarchies, no borders. Equally sinful, equally forgiven! "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female," the Scripture says, "For you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

In your leadership – Christ-like leadership – show respect to people and accept them for who they are. Be holy (see 1 Peter 1:16) in term of lifestyle, discipline, and behaviors. But not strict in term of showing respect and accepting others as equal. In the light of this acceptance, people wanted to be better, try harder and do the good and right thing freely. They would want to be under your leadership. Not because they have to, but because they want to. Jesus' respect empowered others. Jesus treated others equally, do you?

Is your leadership style based on holiness or strictness?

Equality or hierarchies?

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Jesus' Leadership #29 He Believed In His Disciples (from Unstable 'Reed' to Immovable 'Rock')

Jesus looked at a promising young man and said, "You are blessed, Simon son of John… Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church, and all the power of hell will not conquer it…" (Read Matthew 16:16-19, NLT). Simon meant "Reed" (as in a plant that sways when any force pushes it) while Peter meant "stone" or "rock" (Jesus is "the Rock", Peter is a small rock, stone). Surely Jesus must have seen something special in Peter because his record shows that he was rather a reckless guy – hardly the kind of person you would declare to be a leader or pioneer of everything you were doing.

Peter was presumptuous when he trying to keep Jesus from going to Jerusalem because he was afraid, denying even knowing Jesus when He was captured by the Romans soldiers (this was his ultimate failure), and cutting off the Romans guard's ear with a sword after Jesus had preached love and forgiveness to him for about 3 years!

I think Jesus had to believe in His disciples and He was committed to change them. Their backgrounds were not glorious and they did not grasp what He was saying most of the time. They were constantly arguing over who is the greatest among them and they (once) dozed off and forgot Him when He needed them the most. Yet, these were the people He chose to be His apostles not just disciples and He believes the best in each of them – even when there was evidence to the contrary! He continues to give them great-Kingdom responsibilities and ultimately they were able to do it by His power and grace (except, Judas Iscariot).

It was because of His inner knowledge that allowed Jesus to give His disciples authority. He freely shared with them His longings, His Divine purpose, and even His humanity. If He did not believe in them, He would not have called them brothers [and sisters]. He would not have taken them whenever He goes and tells them about the things of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. You see, people tend to rise to the occasion when they have someone who truly believes in them. Perhaps we just need someone to show us who we really are inside. Perhaps that is what we are all so desperately searching for – someone who believes in us and to acknowledge the potential that we each sense about ourselves but are hesitant to show.

Peter went on to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ to the formerly shunned Gentiles (see Acts 11:1-18). No other preacher or prophet (although Jonah preached to the Gentiles, he didn't bring Good News) had been called to go to the "unclean" Gentiles before with such Good News. According to church history, Peter eventually was crucified for his good work of preaching Christ and the Cross. In deference to Jesus, his Lord, it is said that he asked to be crucified upside down. This request came from a man whom everyone but Jesus called "Reed." Peter no more easily sway in his faith like a reed, his faith was firm and immovable like a rock!

To have someone we admire believe in us can help set our God-given greatness free. It certainly worked for Peter. Jesus believed in him and all of His disciples.

How can you show those who work with you that you believe in them?

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Jesus' Leadership #28 He Empowered Women to Become Leaders

I believe wholeheartedly that women can and should be in the leadership roles – both in the church and especially in the marketplace.  Although in church headship, I'm convinced by my reading of the Scripture that offices such as elder, bishop, pastor, and senior pastor are reserved only for men. All are permissible for women except bestowing spiritual authority over adult men (this is a highly debatable statement, so, I won't discuss this matter further). Men and women are equal with respect to dignity and worth and yet different with respect to role and responsibility. With that being said, women must be given equal opportunity to become leaders. In fact, many great leaders I know are women! But unfortunately, too many churches and organizations still fail to recognize, acknowledge or see the potentials and talents of women. Some still discourage and even forbid women – nonverbally and culturally – from taking leadership roles.

Jesus Christ, my Lord, apparently thought differently. Although He first called twelve men to become His close-disciples, His first appearance after His death was to a group of women (see Matthew 28:1, 9) with the instruction to go and convince Peter and others of His resurrection! Before the birth of the Saviour, God through His angel spoke to young Mary about a magnificent plan (Luke 1:30-33), which she was able to keep secret until the appropriate time. Wealthy women economically among the followers supported Jesus and His disciples while they were on their mission (Luke 8:3). Mary Magdalene, Martha, Joanna, Salome, and Susanna were among Jesus' female disciples that played significant roles during His earthly ministry. Paul, one of Jesus most faithful apostles, enlisted women to be among his colleagues in the ministry such as Prisca, Phoebe, Chloe, Euodia, Syntyche, etc. So, in the beginning, and at the end of the gospel story – even throughout the Old and the New Testament – God gave primary leadership roles to women.

Men, churches, and organizations who fail to acknowledge women as leaders often suffer for their ignorance. For examples, Pontius Pilate's wife tried to warn him not to be involved in the trial and execution of Jesus by saying, "Leave this innocent man alone. I suffered through a terrible nightmare about him last night" (Matthew 27:19). Pilate ignored her and since then get himself into trouble for the rest of his life; Nabal was struck to death because he didn't act wisely like his wife Abigail (1 Samuel 25); Deborah became known as great military leader and deliverer of Israel because Balak don't want to take the lead (Judge 4:8-10).

 Jesus said to both women and men: "The Kingdom of God is already among you" or "is within you" (Luke 17:21). He delegated equal power and authority to anyone who asked. In the Kingdom of God, there is neither rich nor poor, free nor bond, male nor female, all are equally the sons and daughters of God. We are equal in dignity, worth and are called to lead. Jesus empowered women to become leaders. Are you?

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Jesus' Leadership #27 Even He Was Open to People's Responses and Ideas, Do You?

Why would a Person with the authority and power of God go around asking people, "What do you want me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51, NLT; Luke 18:41). Some religious leaders ignored Jesus' questions such as this one. According to them, if Jesus really was the Son of God, He would not have asked people what they wanted – He would always be telling them what to do. In their minds, there is no concept of spiritual leadership, but authoritarian-dictatorship.

As a leader (we know that He is first the Saviour), Jesus was open to people and their responses and ideas. He constantly asked His disciples what they were thinking and asked the people in front of Him, "What do you want?" "Do you see anything?" (Mark 8:23) "What are you looking for?" (John 1:38), and more. He encouraged people to ask for things and to be specific in their requests. "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for… For everyone who asks, receives" (Matthew 7:7-8). "You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?... Of course not!" He asked as to jolt them to think, "So… how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him" (read Matthew 7:9, 11). The whole essence of the Bible is about a loving God who is eager to give His children good things.

I remember reading the Book of Genesis, in the Garden of Eden, after God created animals, "He brought them to the man [Adam] to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one" (2:19). Why would God commanded Adam to choose and "give names to all" the animals (v.20)? Well, unless of course – in His sovereignty – to a certain degree, God desires for a cooperative creative-venture between Himself and humankind. God is interested in our responses and ideas.

Even if you disagree about the cooperative creative-venture I mention above, in the level of humanity, life, as it is, is about co-operation and companionship. What better way to demonstrate that than by being listening and responsive leaders? Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong once said during an interview, "You need people who have their own views, whose views you respect, whom you can have a productive disagreement with, and work out ideas which you might not have come up with, or who improve on ideas you had." Though you can't possibly improve Jesus' ideas, but as a leader, Jesus was open to people, their responses, and ideas.

When was the last time you listened to other's idea?

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Jesus' Leadership #26 Don't See Others As They Are, See As They Will Become

Laurie Beth Jones observes, "Focus is one of the key attributes of a leader, and nowhere is it more powerful went applied to and on behalf of another human being." When a truly charismatic leader is introduced to someone, the leader will "behold" that person. When Jesus saw the rich young ruler, he "beholding him, loved him…" (Mark 10:21, MKJV). For Jesus, when he sees someone, he doesn't just see them as mere human beings but he treats others as someone special. He focuses his attention on them and single-out each individual. Jesus "puts a 10 on everyone's head" as John Maxwell puts it. He sees others not as they are, but as they could be. It is no wonder that leaders like Jesus often have such a high recall of names. They focus on that person at that moment.

In the Old Testament we read God called His people by names, "Abraham! Abraham!" (Genesis 22:11-13) "Jacob! Jacob!" (Genesis 46:1-4) "Moses! Moses!" (Exodus 3:1-10); In the New Testament, Jesus called people by names, "Martha, Martha!" (Luke 10:38-42) "Simon, Simon!" (Luke 22:31-32) "Saul, Saul!" (Acts 9). Not to forget he called, "Lazarus!" out from the grave and "Zacchaeus!" to ascend down from the tree. And many more. To "behold" someone means to be fully centered and to hold, to embrace, a person at that moment. Leaders doesn't take anyone for granted.

People respond to how you behold them as a leader. Sometimes you don't have to say anything, they can sense how you perceive them. Too often we only view people in terms of our needs and hidden agendas. People flock to Jesus because he sees them beyond their tribes, status, positions and gender divides. He saw them as brothers and sisters – God's beloved children. Leaders like Jesus sees people's great potentials, appreciate them and loved them – they behold others. Don't see others as they are but see them as they will become! Behold!

How much concentrated, focused time do you spend beholding
your followers or people around you?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #25 Give Others Vision of Something Larger Than Themselves

Jesus walked up to the fishermen and said, “Come follow me and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19, NIV). They dropped their nets and followed Him. He met a woman at a well and said follow Me and you “will never thirst” again. She dropped her water jar and ran to get all of her neighbors (see John 4). History repeatedly has shown that people are hunger for something larger than themselves. Leaders who offer that will have no shortages of followers. In fact, higher purpose is such a vital ingredient to the human needs that the Scripture says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV).

Studies show that people will work harder and longer on projects when they understand the overall significance of their individual contribution. There was one experiment done to airplane workers. They were divided into two groups: Group 1 simply did what they were told to do, while group 2 were taken to the engineering lab and shown how their particular pieces were part of a magnificent jet that would fly higher and faster than any jet had ever flown before. Without any additional incentive, group 2 members’ productivity soared. They knew how important their contribution was to a larger plan.

When I was a teenager, I always wanted to climb a high wall in the neighborhood to steal some fruits. It wasn’t that high but not short either. One day, an angry dog chasing me and with a jolt of power, miraculously I climbed the wall effortlessly! I’ve read about a skinny mother in the newspaper who suddenly have a superhuman strength to lift a big motorbike off a fallen child during an accident. And about a young man who leaps into flames to save a kid. These events may seem extraordinary and dramatic but they demonstrate an important fact: When we are called to do something beyond our known capabilities when we’re forced to do our best – a sudden energy comes to our aids. Leaders can tap into this potential by showing others the long-lasting significance of what they are doing.

Jesus clearly and consistently conveyed to His disciples the significance of what they were doing. He spoke long and often about the calling, mission, and vision of God’s Kingdom and they could feel and know the long-lasting benefits of their work with and for Him. They were making an eternal difference in the lives of many people. They were serving God for something beyond themselves. Every one of us has this deep human need in us that requires purpose and vision of something larger than ourselves. Jesus – and as leaders, we should – gave His followers God-kingdom’s vision.

As a Leader, What is Your Higher Vision?

How Can You Communicate this Vision to Your Followers?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #24 Turn Things Upside-Down

In almost every situation in which Jesus found Himself, His purpose was to turn things upside-down. In fact, that was His calling:

“The people have forgotten who the Father is. Turn this upside-down”

“There is a little girl dying. Turn this upside-down”

“People dishonoring the Temple of God. Turn this upside-down”

“Saul (later became Paul) was out to harm His disciples. Turn this upside-down”

If people were sitting in ashes, His job was to give “beauty for ashes” (Isaiah 61:3). The list goes on and on of the upside-down things He was sent to do. He did not have nor did He take the luxury of looking at difficult situations and saying, “Well, politically it would be wise for me to just go with the flow here…” No! In fact, He said at one point, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword…” (Matthew 10:34).

In each instance His upside-down technique was different. He followed no set of formula. If He had, all our prayers-fixed, tradition-observed or step-by-step-healing-method will be the same for all (Boring!) He didn’t come to give us formulas. He came to give us a new mindset – one that has an upside-down mentality. In fact, the word repent loosely means to turn around.

We are each called to be upside-down leaders. When we are faced with difficult situations, we should rejoice because that’s what we’re here for. It was said that the early Christians under the influence of the Holy Spirit “have turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6) even though they were under heavy persecutions. Late Billy Graham commented: “[Jesus and His Word] were simple yet profound. And they shook people, provoking either happy acceptance or violent refection.  People were never the same after listening to Him… The people who followed Him were unique in their generation. They turned the world upside down because their hearts had been turned right side up. The world has never been the same.” Leaders should respond positively like how Norman Vincent Peale said, “When you see a problem coming down the road, holler ‘Hello, Problem! Where have you been? I’ve been training for you all my life!’”

We each have within us the power and Spirit to turn things upside-down. In fact, if Jesus is our Leader and Lord, it should be ours too. Of course, not every problem or issue needs to be settle by turning it upside-down. But when it is required of you to do it as a leader, then, do not hesitate. Turn it upside-down!

What situation in your family, workplace, organization or team

would you like to see turned around, upside-down? Why? (or Why Not?)

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #23 Train Your Replacements

We Malaysians had witnessed the downfall of Najib Razak, former prime minister, who had lead Malaysia about 9 years, started well then end with a bad image. When his incompetence finally came collapsing down upon him and he was relieved of his office, there was quite a mess to clean up. The problem was, it wasn't just his incompetence that had to be corrected, he had multiplied himself by appointing ministers who were far less qualified, and hence less of a threat to him in every area (maybe except very few of good-but-suppressed leaders under him). Malaysia government under his leadership had a core incompetence that, like cancer, had infiltrated every department and nearly caused the demise of Malaysia had not newly appointed Prime Minister Tun Mahathir and his more incompetence team intervened. There is hope.

By contrast (though I feel it's a bit unfair), Jesus as the Servant Leader was eager and intent upon calling disciples He felt could replace Him after He returned back to the Father. Jesus promised: "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father" (John 14:12, NLT). Jesus did not hoard or guard the power of His leadership. He kept teaching, sharing, and demonstrating it so His disciples would learn that they too had the power to do what He had done, “even greater.”

In order for Him to be so generous with His power, Jesus obviously had to have been extremely secure. He repeatedly affirmed and clearly understood His standing with God as the sole Son to the Father – the Son of God. He never doubted that! When it was all over, He would be sitting at the Head Table in His Kingdom. His task while on earth was – even by the work of the Holy Spirit today – to fill that Table and make sure others were sitting with Him. He knows who He is and was secure of His leadership. So, He never stops trained His disciples as His replacements. This is what secure leaders do!

Laurie Beth Jones told a story about Florence Littauer, author of Personality Plus, when she attended one of Florence's seminars and was surprised when she came on stage with about 26 other authors each of whom she had helped to write their own books. "She stood there with all those authors and said, ‘If you think I am proudest of my books, you are wrong. I am most proud of the people I have helped to become writers themselves.' She didn't define her success in terms of her products but in terms of the people she had trained." Had Florence been an insecure author, she might have tried to lessen the competition. But in fact, she was gladly training her replacements.

Jesus trained His replacements.

Have you start training and empower other leaders to replace you?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

John C. Maxwell on Leadership #14 Secure Leaders Can Take the Heat

Insecure leaders are dangerous – to themselves, their followers and the organizations they lead. That’s because a leadership position becomes an amplifier of personal flaws. Whatever negative baggage you have in life only gets more difficult to bear when you’re trying to lead others.

Insecure leaders have several common traits:

1) They Don’t Provide Security for Others: There’s an old saying: “You cannot give what you do not have.”

2) They Take More from People than They Give: Insecure people are on a continual quest for validation, acknowledgment, and love. Because of that, their focus is on finding security, not instilling it in others. They are primarily takers rather than givers, and takers do not make good leaders.

3) They Continually Limit Their Best People: Show me an insecure leader, and I’ll show you someone who cannot genuinely celebrate his people’s victories. Insecure leaders hoard power. In fact, the better his people are, the more threatened he is.

4) They Continually Limit Their Organization: When followers are undermined and receive no recognition, they become discouraged and eventually stop performing at their potential. And when that happens, the entire organization suffers.

[Taken from The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader: Becoming the Person Others Will Want to Follow (1999) by John C. Maxwell. Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc.]

Are insecurities hindering your potential as you lead others?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #22 Change Your Unit of Measurement

In the New Testament, Jesus often breaks the status quo of the religious leaders by teaching the people saying, "It has been written... but I say..." What authority!

Perhaps the most important thing a leader can do is to change the unit of measurement. Jesus constantly said, "It has been written… but I say…" throughout the New Testament. He was changing the units of measurements – of obedience, of love, of holiness, of requirements for entrance into God's presence… of how we measure growth and worth in the Kingdom of God. It is not about the volume of your prayers, it is about the depth of them. It is not about how much you have, it is how you treat one another.

All of us are slaves to our ideas and the (faulty) concepts of success that we learned from our cultures. Men are measured in terms of their money and women are measured in term of their looks. Is this the message that we are sending to our children? In the beauty pageants, for example, women are measured more by their looks than by their brains. Women must not be measured and weighted like cattle! Yet even today, when magazines talk about models, they highlight their appearance, height, and weight. Men, too, must not be measured in terms of how much money they have in the bank. Today, people treat those with money and power differently from those who have none or less. This and more – are all because of our cultural units of measurement.

Jesus had changed our units of measurements – change of mindset, perception, perspective, value, attitude, meaning, and purpose. It is time for us (for all of us) to change the unit of measurement, how we measure success, how we measure progress and how we measure others and ourselves. Remember, the most important thing a leader can do is to change the unit of measurement.

Currently what unit of measurement are you using to determine you/other worth?

How would you like to change it?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #21 Serve Only the Best Wine

“Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

(John 2:10, responded the banquet master when he tasted the wine that Jesus turned from water)

Jesus did not keep Himself in reserve. The first miracle that Jesus performed was turning water into wine at a wedding. Jesus poured out the best of His affection freely to all He encountered. This is an important leadership-action skill because we so often bestow affection in small droplets for people. Probably we all have encountered that boss who said no appraisal when work done well, or colleague who never say, "Wow! That's great!"

I met somebody who displayed affectionate spontaneity when I came to Christian fellowship for a speaking engagement. When I was introduced to the CF's adviser, she looked up from her sit and said cheerfully, "Oh! It's good to see you! I bet you'll bless our fellowship. Thank you for coming." She didn't know me prior to that encounter, but she welcomed me with gracious gesture. I wish more people were able to be affectionate spontaneously. Unfortunately, many of us are like The X Factor judges measuring people's performance critically before we open up our hearts to them. 

Why do we wait to serve the wine? Jesus, like those who are dying today, never reached the age of forty. Perhaps knowing that He wouldn't be here long is what caused Him to serve the best wine first. He gave the wine freely to anyone who wanted it. He poured out the best of Himself to all He encountered.... Leaders, Jesus served only the best wine. 

How often do you withhold love and affection

until someone has 'earned' it?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP. 

Jesus' Leadership #20 With or Without Someone Else, Just Do It

With or without someone else. A leader must be so committed to a project or plan that he is willing to do it with or without someone else. Young David did not turn to see if the troops were following him when he went out to meet the giant Goliath. He was not even a king but merely a shepherd boy at the time he took on the giant. He became king after he went out alone.

Jesus was committed to healing, teaching and preaching regardless of whether his disciples came along. He would have done the calling before him with or without Peter and John. Once when Jesus send the Twelve apostles to proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God, he, I assumes was doing ministry all alone (see Mark 6:7 and 6:30). Jesus often “made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side” so that he can minister to the people without them before “he went up on the mountain to pray” alone (see Mark 6:45-47). Either his disciples was with him or not, he still have compassion for the people. Either people believe in him or not, he still preached the Kingdom of God. Jesus could fulfilled his calling with or without others. He is able, he can do it, but of course – he won’t.

Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of late president of America Franklin D. Roosevelt, was one of the greatest leaders of her time, personally supported a number of students financially. I once read an article that said a young man remembered getting cheque for $75 a month, made and signed by Eleanor Roosevelt on her personal account. He said he received those checks for years, even after she ceased to be the First Lady. It would been much easier for her to use government funds or to refer to some giant scholarship committee, maybe even ask for sponsors on behalf of the First Lady. However, she was personally committed to education and supporting students she felt were worthy. She supported more than 25 students out of her personal funds. She was willing to help the students with or without someone else.

What commitment are you willing to make happen with or without someone else?

Oh, it would be better if you can do it with others… but if they can’t or don’t, you just do it!

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #19 Transparent and Visible

Jesus is God’s love made visible: “[the Word] became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus spoke out from the mountaintops; he did not mutter in the valleys. He spoke in synagogues, streets, gardens, and at every party he went to. He was not afraid to stand out in the crowd. When the Temple guards, uncertain of which man they were to grab, trying to arrest all the disciples, Jesus stepped forward and said, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Let these others go” (John 18:9). He was willing to be God’s lightning rod.

D. L. Moody was one of the greatest evangelists who ever lived. He drew crowds of tens of thousands of people every time he spoke. Once when someone asked him how he could be such a powerful speaker, he said, “Before I speak I just go out to an open place and say ‘Lord, set me on fire.’”

A light should be set on a hill, not hidden under a bushel. Jesus was not a low-profile person.

He was visible.

How are you visible as a leader?

What are some ways you could increase your visibility?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #18 Boil It Down to Its Essence

The Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Summarize for us the laws of the prophets. Which law is the most important?” They expected to trick him, thinking he would surely misquote at least one of the thousands of laws and Scriptures that had accumulated up to that time. He looked at them and said, “The law boil down to this one: Love God with all your heart and mind and soul, and your neighbour as yourself” (paraphrased from Matthew 22:37). He distilled thousands of teachings, writings, and theories into one sentence. He boiled it down.

If people could understand their core values, they would save years of doubt, confusion, and misplaced energy as they try to find direction for their lives. Advertisers, for example, are paid to pare things down to their essence. Take the Nike advertising campaign. All of Nike’s factories, sales representatives, products, energies, costs, profits, and purpose were boiled down by their ad agency into three words: Just Do It! The agency created an award-winning and sales-increasing campaign based on three simple words (more examples such as Apple’s Think Different, L'Oréal’s Because You're Worth It, and McDonald's: I'm Lovin' It).

The value of everything International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) stands for can be boiled down in one sentence: Students built into communities of disciples, transformed by the gospel and impacting the university, the church and society for the glory of Christ.

Leaders identify, articulate, and summarize the concepts that motivate others. Most important, they boil concepts down to an understandable idea. Jesus boiled it down.

If you have to boil down your message or vision or mission,

What would it be?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #17 Be Bold and Brave

Jesus did not mumble or whisper his message. He did not discuss for hours the safest approach for doing something. He did not go through countless committees to get permission to make a statement. He was bold.

Not most of the time, but there are times when he shouted and stomped, he flung tables and chairs, he cried and groaned. Everything he did made a statement about what he saw his mission to be. He crashed into people’s consciousness with deeds, attitudes, and actions that had never been done, seen, or even heard of before. One could say he used his very blood to paint his message. That was how bold he was.

Understanding that authority must be assumed within before it can be recognized externally, Jesus boldly took his authority. He did not wait for people’s approval. He did not wait until there was a cloudless sky. He flew his banner high and carried it on a day-to-day basis. He took the canvas of his life and painted a message big enough, bold enough and bright enough for everyone to see.

He walked into the temple as a 12-year-old and started teaching. He stormed into the temple as an adult and turned things upside down. He called a sin a sin and apologized to no one – not out of arrogance, but out of boldness and clarity.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was warned by his staff that his plans to end the Depression were too large, too costly and too rough. “Well,” he thundered, “maybe they aren’t perfect in every way. But, by God, we’ve got to do something!” His administration is credited with putting America back on its feet again. All because one leader was bold.

Jesus was bold.

When and what has it cost you in life not to be bold?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #16 Expanding Your Influence

Jesus did not distribute his message just in his hometown. In fact, he left home rather quickly, recognizing that all too often a prophet is without honour in his own country. He took his message and hit the road, going wherever there was fertile ground. He looked at the whole territory and saw it as a field ripe for harvest. He quickly began calling disciples to join him with his missions.

The importance of branching out or expanding your influence and territories is depicted in many beautiful stories and images in the Scriptures. Isaiah encouraged his people to “Widen the space of your tent, stretch out your hangings freely, lengthen your ropes, make your tent pegs firm, for you will burst out to the right and to the left” (Isaiah 54:2). God told Adam and Eve, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). To Abraham, God said: “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number” (Genesis 35:11). The entire Book of Joshua is about the tribes of Israel branching out into the Promised Land.

God does not seem to want leaders to “settle” for a little piece of land, spiritual or otherwise. The Lord constantly urges us to lift up our eyes and see all the possibilities on the horizon and to shake off the dust and ashes from our minds and feet and get going. The word ‘branch’ or ‘branches’ is mentioned more than 70 times in the Bible. Jesus himself was called the “Branch of the Lord” (Jeremiah 23:5).

Leaders must constantly look for ways to expand their vision, their influence, and their contribution. There are always more possibilities than our eyes can see. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s calling and empower you to do so.

Jesus branched out.

What are your current mental boundaries?

What are your plans for expanding your influence, territories and contribution for God’s glory?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Jesus' Leadership #15 Right Ones come from the 'Wrong Side'

Jesus of Nazareth was not exactly what the people had in mind for a leader. Nathanael, a potential apostle, said, “Examine the Scriptures yourself and see. Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (see John 1:45-46). Jesus neither a warrior nor royalty. He wasn’t exactly handsome, either, according to some writings. He not only came from the wrong side of town, he came from the wrong town. The man nobody would have considered wore the crown. Nothing that the learned ones could decipher from their libraries called for a carpenter king. Once again, God played surprise.

Few people consider themselves perfectly qualified to lead. We are influenced by the media as to what everyone and everything should look like. We know what Miss Malaysia should look like, just as we know what YBs and ministers should look like. It is easy to disqualify ourselves as leaders based on external characteristics alone. Yet we also live in times of great upheaval and surprise. Blasphemers are becoming worship leaders, minority-indigenous people are becoming Wakil Rakyats, criminals become Christian ministers. Leaders are coming out of the ‘wrong side’… with a fresh perspective.

The call to leadership can come from many directions and in many ways. The Old Testament indicates (at least) three ways that we are called to leadership: the burning heart, the burning bush, and the burning house.

The burning heart is the kind of call that David had. He said, “I’ll go fight the giant! It isn’t right that our people should tremble in their tents at his insults” (read 1 Samuel 17:33-37). The burning bush is the kind of call that Moses had. It is a surprise approach to getting someone’s attention. As you recall, Moses was called to leadership by seeing a miraculous burning bush (read Exodus 3:2-10). The burning house is the kind of call to leadership that Queen Esther had. Esther risking her life and certainly her social standing when she (and her uncle) try to stopped the enemies from killing all the Jews. She revealed her identity to the king, her husband, who in an embarrassed fury hanged Haman, the man who plotted the Jew’s destruction. Esther became a legendary leader among the Jews. She became a leader when her house was burning down.

Nearly every leader in the Scriptures had doubts at one time or another. They often felt underqualified, forsaken or abandoned. Yet those who were called were given the strength to carry out their missions. Then as now.

Jesus was another one of God’s surprises.

He came from the ‘wrong side.’

Which type of call to leadership have you experienced?

The burning heart?

The burning bush?

The burning house?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.