Journeys of a Former Firebrand

Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NASB 95)

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Life on this earth isn’t all there is. It would then be silly to live as if this life were it and only affected me. I don’t live for myself but another. My God.

That’s the reason why the best way to describe how I view leadership is not a strategy, not a mindset or a philosophy. It’s a Person…

Jesus Christ.

As a pastor, I take my position very seriously. If I am to lead a congregation, I’m not simply someone who creates policy. I’m something much more important.

I’m an example.

That’s at the heart of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1. He doesn’t exalt himself or his own leadership abilities. He calls on the Christians of that day (and ours) to follow his example of ethical, moral and spiritual behavior.

However, he throws a wrinkle into it. He isn’t concerned about his own leadership prowess. No. He cares about something much greater. Not that the Corinthians become more like Him but that they become more like Christ.

This has revolutionized my view of leadership. It’s subverting my selfish ambition and glorifying God, putting all the emphasis on Him.

However, if I emphasize myself and make my “personal brand” what is most important, people will imitate me. I don’t want that. Just like Paul, I want people to imitate Christ.

True leadership takes emphasis off self and gives the glory to God alone. It motivates people to follow Christ and be more like Him. That is true Christian leadership.

Christ was gracious, loving and firm, never compromising the truth, but always finding the most gracious way to express it. I want to lead like that. I want to be more like Jesus so that others I know are more like Him.

After all, Jesus gave His life so that we could have our sins forgiven and find reconciliation with God forever. The least I can do as a leader, changed by the grace of God, is live in faith to His glory as a tribute to His abundant grace and as an earthly example to others. That’s true leadership from the Son of God. That’s who I want to be.