A Call To Leadership.

Matthew 28:19:20

When people hear the word leadership a myriad of ideas come to mind. Some people think of prestige; power; and authority, while others think of stress; pressure; and responsibility. For some its privilege, and others its sacrifice. Regardless of what comes to mind for you, leadership is largely misunderstood, and by some even feared. For most people it is seen as something that needs to striven for. As if it were some distant object that only the elite or ultra-successful could achieve. However, leadership is a little more innate then you might believe. Contrary to popular opinion leadership is not only for men and women of great stature, rather, it is something inside each and everyone of us. More importantly, its something to which we were all called to take part.

So what is leadership. Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less. It is simply ones ability to create or motivate a willful change in someone else’s life – to bring them from one place, in thinking or behavior, to another. Everyone, in some facet, shares and exercises this influential ability. Whether its negative or positive; whether with family or with friends; with seniors, peers, or subordinates, everyone influences the life of someone else, if not many people, every day. There is no denying that our ability and desire to do so is an intrinsic part of our nature. Therefore, inside every person, regardless of any external differences that might be present, is a leader. The type of leader we are depends solely upon the purpose, direction, and motivation to which we submit ourselves. This is the basis of the great commission, that the disciples should go to all nations and be leaders that would influence, encourage, direct, inspire and motivate a world wandering in darkness with the light of the gospel. Thus, Christ charges the disciples with these words, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20).” He did not merely say, “Go and share my story.” Nor did He say “Preach to large crowds.” He said “Go... make disciples... baptize... and teach.” In other words, be leaders and influence the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

However, no matter how important it is for us to lead, it is equally important to realize that there is no such thing as an autonomous leader. No one exists and functions solely upon his own volition. Every leader has someone, or some principle that directs and develops the course of their life. In other words, every leader follows. For some it is a superior, for others a faith. For some its an established standard of some kind, and others a set of core values. No matter what it is for you, every leader follows. Shortly after walking upon the stormy Sea of Galilee, Christ explains to His disciples, “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will, but to do the will of Him who sent me (John 6:38). Again, while in the garden of Gethsemane, Christ falls on his face and prays “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will (Matthew 26:39).” Regardless of His role, whether it was prophet or priest; great shepherd or atoning sacrifice, Christ our Savior demonstrated the irrefutable need – as well as the willful desire - to follow.

Finally, every leader serves. This is one of the most critical, and at the same time, most neglected responsibilities in leadership. Effective leaders must learn to serve in 360 degrees. Regardless of rank or position, whether it is for their superiors or subordinates, for family or for friends, leaders seek to facilitate and to improve the lives of those around them. It is a rudimentary principle. A leader must put more emphasis on serving than being served. This was Paul's conviction when he wrote to the believers in Philippi “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 'who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8).”

Christ didn't send his disciples into the world to be just ministers, nor are we called to be just church goers. Instead, He commissioned us to influence, encourage, direct, inspire and motivate a world lost in sin. This is the great commission, and this is our calling, our charge; to be leaders and to influence the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, go, and impact the world around you.   [mp]

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Michael D'Urbano
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