JESUS FOLLOWER?
Memorise; Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1st
Corinthians 11:1
Read: Philippians 3:17-21, 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them
which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For
many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that
they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose
end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their
shame, who mind earthly things.)
20 For
our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the
Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who
shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious
body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things
unto himself.
Bible in one year: 2nd Kings 6:24-8:24, Proverbs
21:30-22:12
MESSAGE
A brief look at many contemporary
Christian leadership books seem to be confusing the followers of Jesus with a
perceived strategy to shape future leaders of the church, as though Church
leaders are in a special category. It should be noted that all followers of
Jesus are called to a life of discipleship. It is not exactly correct to
interpret the relationship of Jesus with His disciples as an effort to develop
a leadership training school for the future movement. The Bible is very clear
on the fact that the focus of Jesus was first of all, the renewal of Israel,
the establishment of the kingdom of God, and the transformation of lives
through healing, deliverance, miracles, signs, and wonders, witnessed by the
people.
It is obvious that the function of the disciples within the Gospel
narratives is not their exemplary leadership, but their role as models who
braved the struggles that all followers of Jesus are destined to face. The
disciples humanity, world view, character, and lifestyle, were openly displayed
as an example for future disciples to follow. Jesus in Mark 8:34-35 says:
“And
when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto
them, whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but
whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save
it.”
In one of Jesus’ popular sayings,
he said to His disciples, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). This verse address
issues of power, authority, and human dignity. Though all these are central to
any discussion of leadership but the power of the text is in how it undermines
notions of greatness and how a leader must use power on behalf of all members
of the community. The modern teachings on Christian leadership have been
redefined to mean that the servant and followers (present day Christians) have
become greater than their masters and leaders (Jesus Christ). In response to
this, Matthew 10:24 says:
“The
disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.”
All Christians must realize that
a disciple cannot be above his master as a servant cannot be above his Lord. To
be a Christian is to imbibe the discipline and humility of a servant. In
addition to this important prerequisite for discipleship we might add the
attributes of humility, gentleness, justice, and love. These were the contents
for the discipleship training that Jesus gave to His disciples. Subsequently,
deacons, elders, overseer/bishops, and believers are all expected to live out
in very tangible ways, the lifestyle that honours God and is exemplary for the
people of God. Followers of Jesus are to adopt this attitude toward life in
general. The lifestyle of a Christian should be clearly different and morally
superior to that of the world. The concept of Jesus on Christian leadership is
firmly built on follower-ship, service, humility, obedience, and loyalty. If
you want to follow Jesus acceptably, you must align your views on leadership to
incorporate the ideals of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Point
Father, please help me to pay the price of leadership. Help me to
imbibe the ideals of Master Jesus.
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