Responsibilities of Christian Leaders

Introduction

During class we talked briefly about what it means to be a leader and one of key traits of one is the power to influence others. This could be both good or bad, but what I want to focus on some of the fundamental implications of what I consider Christian leadership to be by reflecting God’s image as a result of what God has done in us for the sake of others. But how does that translate into our daily lives? How do we reflect God’s character embedded in us through our leadership as entrepreneurs, mechanics, custodians or even teachers?

First, let us begin with the section of the phrase “reflecting God’s image”.

Reflecting God’s image

At the very beginning we see the the nature of God and some of the characteristics we have had embedded in us when he speaks “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” ( ESV) We also see later on how this means we are also to “Put on the new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” ( NLT) So not only did God create and establish order in the midst of chaos, but he also decided to be faithful in relationship to us.

This means then we have a responsibility to reflect those same characteristics when we are made new in Christ. It is crucial, however, we understand the transformation of the inner self precedes the fruit that will result in an instinctual manner. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Like the Father, people will expect his children to be. This is especially true if they have the continuous focal point of being a leader. Decisions will have to be made, conflict will arise within groups and personalities will clash.

Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol

This is where our Christian leadership should shine through the darkness of this world as some managers and employers exploit their workers and treat them disrespectfully. When we lead others, albeit in our homes as parents or siblings or in our workplace, do those who work with or for us

But, for us to reflect the image of God it needs to be as a result of what God has done for us.

Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013. Print.

As a result of God’s work

God changes many of us to be “transformatively different in the same way a seed is different from an oak tree” once we have committed our lives to Christ (Kulaga, Morning devotions at continuing education). It is clear from what God has done in our lives that “we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ( NLT)

But now, as a result of God’s recreating us we begin to see Paul’s practical examples of our responsibilities of Christian leaders. A very basic one is being truthful and not letting anger control us. () As leaders there are many opportunities for us to be upset or frustrated with those who follow us, but this is when we need to remember how patient God has been with us to this day. If we let anger control us we may further fall into sin by being untruthful so that our followers will do the things we want them to do. Deception and fits of anger will only further the wedge the relationship between leaders and their followers as ungodly leadership is lasting or effective, especially in bringing others to know Christ in the midst of our day to day roles.

Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013. Print.

Lastly, it is important we understand our responsibilities as leaders as a result of God’s work for the sake of others.

For the sake of others

Reading through Jesus’s prayer before being arrested has given me great insight and one of which pertains to not just leadership, but for us as followers too.

In we see how Jesus, as the rabbi of the apostles and disciples, begins to pray for them, but as he moves on to pray for others who will believe through their message there is a key element presented. Jesus said “and for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ( ESV)

Christian leadership is nothing unless we understand that is not only for the sake of our own well being and security, but rather for the sake of others around us who know not of the saving power of Jesus Christ. So then, Jesus gives us an excellent example of offering his own life so his followers will be sanctified in truth. This demonstrates how unity and truth can work together “so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” ( ESV)

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016. Print. ( ESV)

Conclusion

God’s image has been embedded into who we are and this includes his righteousness and just dealings. As a result of God’s transformative work we can put off any deceitfulness and anger that may hinder our God-given ability to guide and inspire others into the right direction. Finally, we need to understand that unity in whatever we do is necessary and we cannot afford to lack it since it is for the sake of others. For the sake that the world will believe Jesus was sent by God.

There may be opportunities at our profession to be sly or untruthful to avoid complications or just get compliance with what needs to get done. In conclusion, Scriptures like “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” ( ESV) or “whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” ( ESV) are both reminders that we need to “treat [our] bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that [we] also have a Master in heaven.” ( ESV)

Only then will we truly understand the gravity, but yet the grace, mercy and blessing that it is to know that we can rest in the fact that God’s power can be made perfect in our weakness ( ESV).

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016. Print.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016. Print.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2016. Print.