Issue #74, February 1, 2012
“You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read.” This quote by Charlie “Tremendous” Jones is one of my favorites and speaks to servant leaders about the influence of those with whom we associate to impact our lives. The people with whom we spend time change our attitudes, our speech, our thoughts and outlook on life. For example, I notice that my children start talking like their friends.
Servant leaders who understand this principle carefully guard their closest relationships. They are eager to minister to and influence many kinds of people, but wisely choose those who will impact them most significantly. At the beginning of this year I have been drawn to focus on this principle of association not only in my relationships with others, but on my most significant relationship–with Jesus. I am reflecting on the implications of Mark’s report about Jesus, “He appointed twelve-designating them apostles-that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach” (Mark 3:14). According to this verse, Jesus called his leadership team first and foremost “that they might be with him.” What happens when we are “with Him?”
Being with Him builds relationship.
Jesus called His disciples first of all into a relationship with Himself. It’s easy for me to miss this call, thinking that I’m called to responsibilities for Jesus rather than relationship with Him. Incredibly, He longs for relationship with me and invites me and you to simply be with Him. We are called to be intimate friends with the King of Kings! Most of my goals focus on performance and production; Jesus’ primary goal is relationship. Relationships take time, there are no shortcuts. If we accept His invitation to relationship we must find time to be with Him.
To reflect on: Am I finding ways to build and enjoy my relationship with Jesus?
Being with Him builds resemblance.
As the disciples spent time with Jesus they began to think, act and react more like He did. This was a long process, but by the time they were in positions of leadership their enemies noted “they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). The goal of every believer should be simply to become more and more like Christ. Our goals for this year should include becoming more like Jesus in the way we talk, the way we handle our finances, the way we treat our spouses, children, employees, etc. The more time I spend with someone, the more I begin to resemble that person.
To reflect on: In what way am I looking more like Jesus today than last month?
Being with Him builds readiness.
Jesus had a plan for His disciples. After being with Him, He would send them out to represent Him in the world. They were to lead and act as change agents. God has called each of us as well to represent His life and teaching in our churches, businesses, schools, and offices. We are to go out and lead as servant leaders. There are many ways we can and should develop our leadership capacity. Reading good books, attending seminars, and deliberately associating with effective leaders are all worthwhile activities. But these actions are a supplement to, not a substitute for, being with Jesus. Time spent with Him is the best way to learn what it means to lead like Him.
To reflect on: In what way does my leadership capacity flow out of my relationship with Jesus?
For further reflection and discussion:
- Do I really believe that Jesus wants an intimate relationship with me?
- What do I do to make time in my schedule for this most important relationship?
- What are areas of my leadership in which I do not resemble Jesus? (Think about family relationships, work or ministry involvements, attitudes toward the weak, relationships with persons from different backgrounds, etc.)
Take some time to ask Him what needs to change and for His power to make the needed adjustments.