Lead in Christ
1 Masters, deal with your slaves justly and fairly, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven.
Colossians 4:1 (CSB)
Christians in leadership roles should aim to exemplify Christ and direct others to Him. While many leadership principles are influenced by worldly ideas and fleshly desires, not all are inherently wrong; they should be evaluated through Scripture. The apostle Paul encourages leaders to govern justly and fairly. Here are five brief truths to consider in leadership.
Demonstrate Respect. Leaders should lead by example, showing respect to others in all interactions. This respect isn't based on achievements but on the belief that every person has inherent worth and dignity because they are made in God's image. All individuals are created in God’s likeness. Therefore, leaders must treat everyone they lead and engage with a respect that reflects Christ.
Demonstrate Kindness. Show kindness, which stems from genuine compassion, love, and generosity toward others. When leaders act with kindness, the qualities of the Spirit become visible in how they lead and engage with others. Such leaders extend this kindness to everyone around them, whether they are allies or opponents. They do not limit kindness to fleeting moments but integrate it into all their interactions. True kindness emanates from their spiritual foundation.
Lead with Love. Leaders who prioritize serving others over personal ambitions demonstrate a leadership driven by genuine care. Their love, shaped by their experience in Christ, enriches their lives with empathy, compassion, and humility. This approach to leadership contrasts sharply with worldly notions, which often center on self-interest. Christian love transforms a leader into a servant at heart, whereas worldly love tends to serve self-interest driven by self-love.
Lead with Integrity. Christian integrity should define a Christian leader. While integrity may often go unnoticed, it manifests in a leader’s silent obedience to Christ, especially when unseen by the world. This quality is most evident when leaders embody biblical principles, demonstrate transparency, and accept accountability. When a leader has integrity, their public persona aligns with their private life. Leading with integrity requires believers to be faithful to Christ in all aspects of life, continuously allowing God's Word to influence and shape them.
Lead as a Steward. A Christian leader understands that everything belongs to God and views their leadership as a stewardship, responsible for managing what the Lord has entrusted. This mindset drives the leader to cultivate additional resources by wisely utilizing what has been given by God. The leader skillfully balances responsibilities and authority, recognizing that God has called them to lead with authority while also serving God’s kingdom and others.
Christian leadership stands in contrast to worldly leadership qualities. It finds its roots and traits in the Lord, rather than in worldly ways. Each of us, as believers, has been given opportunities to lead others. We should aim to embody the truth of the Lord and resist falling into the ways of the world.
QUESTIONS
What steps can be taken to make sure that our interactions and leading of others reveal the person and character of Jesus?
How would you explain leadership as more stewardship than authoritarian?
