HE TAUGHT ME LEADERSHIP
1Cor 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
On a certain day, as i was about leaving the house, my first son said he wanted to follow me out. Sarcastically, I told him to follow Jesus not me. He asked, "Are you not a Pastor"? I replied by saying "Yes." Then he further said, "A Pastor should follow Jesus so I will follow you"(paraphrase). That sank deep. Though I didn't want him to go with me that day and I twisted the narrative sarcastically to point his attention to following Jesus, he said he'll follow me because it is expected of me to follow Jesus. That's a great leadership lesson there. That young boy knew that a true Christian leader should be someone who is following Jesus and should be someone that people can follow as he follows Christ.
In the opening text, Paul emphatically told his readers to imitate him as he imitate Christ. True Christian leadership should be do as I do not do what I say. The basis for imitation should be the effulgence of a Christ-centred life that is visible to all. In another portion of scriptures, Paul said, "Therefore I urge you to imitate me"(1 Cor 4:16). Everyone that is saved is a leader in some respect. We should be bold to tell those that look up to us to follow Christ just as we are following Him. Until our lives are Christ-centred, we are not fit for leadership in the kingdom.
The leadership principle of this world is devoid of imitation. I have seen parents who don't want their children to live their kind of life. Deep within, they know something is wrong with their manner and conduct. True Christian leadership must be modelled from home. The family is central to God's plan and purposes on the earth and that's where true Christian leadership can be modelled. From there, the imitation of Christ-life will spread to the church and the society. Fathers who will model Christ to their children are much needed in this generation. Mothers who will boldly tell their children to imitate and take after them are scarce and wanted as we speak. Children learn more by imitation than through instruction. Whatever you instruct your children not to do shouldn't be found with and in you. Whatever isn't good for your children isn't good for you. If you tell them not to watch a particular t.v.program then you shouldn't watch it as well. Nothing like adult movies. It should be "do as I do not do what I say".
Father, I receive the grace to model Christ to my children and to those around me in Jesus name.