Learning from Leaders

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"Imitate me just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor 11:1)

The Bible teaches us to be "followers of God as dear children" (Eph 5:1). Jesus was exactly like His Father. He bade His disciples, "Follow Me" (Mt 4:19). Then comes the third stage. Apostle Paul urged his converts, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor 11:1). The teaching of the Scriptures confirms that this chain should not be broken but continue from generation to generation.

A chain smoker cried, "Don't tell me why; show me how!" We are desperately in need of men and women who can lead by example. We have often heard preachers say, "Don't look at me; look at Jesus!" This is nothing but escapism and sheer hypocrisy. Concerning such debasing examples among the religious leaders of His day Jesus warned the people, "Whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their deeds" (Mt 23:3). On the other hand Paul challenged, "Join in following my example... the things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do" (Phil 3:17; 4:9). It is the sacred responsibility of everyone in any leadership capacity to present before his "little ones" a lifestyle that's unoffensive and praiseworthy (Lk 17:1,2).

This does not mean that we must be looking for "perfect" leaders to emulate them. We have to observe only the overall "outcome" or fruit of their life (Heb 13:7). Ask these basic questions concerning a leader you desire to follow: Is he committed to the authority of the Bible? Is he a man of prayer? Dose he maintain a distance with the opposite sex? Has he given himself to simple living? Is his own house in order? Is he honest in financial matters? Is he dead to seeking popularity and self-interests? Does he embrace all believers and work for unity? Is he passionate about world evangelism? Does he train secondline leaders? It is normally safe to follow a leader who has these sterling qualities.

Each leader has his strengths and weaknesses. No one exemplifies in everything. This I believe is one reason why the New Testament consistently promotes plurality of leadership (Tit 1:5; Acts 20:17). This way we can avoid heroworshipping any one person. Unfortunately we have produced more fans than followers, more devotees than disciples.

God clothes the secondliners with His anointing and authority when they humbly and faithfully watch and follow the first leaders. Secondliners must devote themselves to this painstaking study. Right during his lifetime Paul certified of Timothy, "He does the work of the Lord, as I also do" (1 Cor 16:10).

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