What Kind of Leader Are You?

What makes a good leader?

Like a lot of other issues, we can’t always define a “leader,” but we know one when we see one.

The ultimate example of a leader is found in Philippians 2. Paul called on the people of Philippi, and ultimately the entire church of the Lord, to take on the mind and attitude of Christ: “Let this mind be in you that also was in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).

What was it about Christ that Paul emphasized?

It was the willingness of Christ to give up His place in heaven to come to earth. Rather than emphasize His place or His privileges, Christ emphasized His responsibilities. He left the throne above to become human flesh. As Paul put it: “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” (Philippians 2:6-7).

Jesus did the same thing at the transfiguration. Peter wanted to build booths (tents) and stay. Jesus left the glory of the mountain to return to the demon infested valley.

Leaders emphasize responsibilities, not privileges.

Warren Wiersbe told the story of a successful headhunter. When asked the secret of his success, he responded in this way. “If you want to find out what a worker is really like, don’t give him responsibilities–give him privileges. Most people can handle responsibilities if you pay them enough, but it takes a real leader to handle privileges. A leader will use his privileges to help others  and build the organization; a lesser man will use privileges to promote himself.”

In the same way, it’s not how you handle adversity that shows the kind of leader you are; it’s how you handle the victories.

Jesus used His privileges to help us. Thank God for His leadership!

Let us follow the words of Paul and the example of Christ and look for ways to build up the church. When we sacrifice ourselves, the church will be blessed–and so will we. Giving up our privileges will help the world see that Jesus really is the Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).

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