The Christ would suffer and . . . would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:23)
WE KNOW THE SAYING, “Do as I say, not as I do.” In reality, a person who uses this practice with those under their supervision shows the characteristics of someone who has authority but not someone who is a true leader.
We can all probably think of examples of good and poor leaders within our life experiences. Anyone who finds him- or herself subordinate to another person wants to have a gifted and talented person as their leader.
One of history’s greatest examples of true leadership is seen in Jesus. Though this is not breaking news to us, it can be something we lose sight of within our current world of poor leaders. Through Jesus’ life, this saying is changed to “Do as I say and as I do.”
Jesus’ leadership was based on teaching, showing, and sending. He proved to His disciples that the call to “Come, follow me” meant to follow what He taught them, what He showed them, and to then be sent out to do the same.
This leadership model was a needed medium in order for His proclamation of light to be effectively delivered to the Israelites and the rest of the world.
As we follow Jesus’ example in proclaiming this message, may we be encouraged to remember that we are following a man who was and is the True Leader.
Prayerfully determine before God whose leadership method you are following.
Traver Paul Butcher, a PhD candidate in international psychology and missions coach, has a passion for helping individuals encounter God in international and cross-cultural experiences.
