Jesus on Leadership
Jesus on Leadership Paper C. Gene Wilkes gives a true demonstration and understanding of what true servant leadership is from Jesus’ point of view. He distinguishes the difference between the world’s views of leadership against God’s view. Wilkes showed that Jesus put others before himself and that was the true model of a servant leader. Lots of self-examination, prayer, focus on God’s purpose, and taking risks are some things that are continuously mentioned throughout the book that create a servant leader. The beginning of the book talks about the call to servant leadership and how everyone is unique. I have found this to be true in my own life. Looking back, I use to think that only pastors and deacons were truly called to their position. However, everyone has God-given gifts that are to be used for His glory, whether that is in the business field and sharing God through your work there to being a missionary in another country. Everyone can be used and you just have to trust God through your specific calling.
A question was brought up on “How do we lead by serving others?” Wilkes reflects on Jesus’ life and explains that true leaders humble themselves and are a role model of what everyone should do. Their actions match up with what preach. True leaders have to “take up the towel” and serve others with everything they have. Leadership is not something you can acquire by yourself. It is a position that God and others put you in. Humility and being a living example was another issue addressed. The world tells us that you are more successful if you gain more things and higher positions. However, Jesus tells us that you must “descend into greatness.” This reminds me of a 19th century proverbial phrase; “Less is more.” This means that we must humble ourselves and put God’s plan above everything else. We must overlook our selfish desires and find clarity in Jesus and what he has provided us. He has blessed us in so many ways and we must be patient to learn that pride is a straight path to destruction.