An optimist has been defined as a person who, falling from the top of a forty-story building, says on the way down, “All right so far!” You do not need to ignore or overlook the facts to be able to look upon the bright side of life. Realism is necessary. But for the Christian, God must figure in prominently to the realism equation. When God’s power and ability to get things done is added to the equation the situation is never as bad as we originally thought. A comedian once described “status-quo” this way, “That’s Latin for the mess we’re in.” Christians as well as leaders will get into a mess and make mistakes on occasion. However, we need to realize that we live with the assurance of God’s Spirit to help us during those difficult times. When you work in the church, you deal with people. They may be Christians but they still get discouraged, still get their feelings hurt and still have their own unique opinions. So they are really not any different from us. When we realize our own shortcomings we can be more sympathetic toward those of others. If you are not too proud to admit your own mistakes; other people will usually be big enough to forgive you. They will also be more willing to admit their mistakes. This is the beginning of true humility. We need to realize that we can not lead where we are not willing to go. The Christian leader must model the self-giving service taught by Christ and required of His followers. Jesus taught that a leader is not the boss, but the worker; not the master, but the slave. Today I would like us to spend some time discovering the four elements that make up the right attitude that is required by effective leadership. This attitude will be the same displayed by Jesus Christ in His life and ministry.
I. The right attitude requires humility.
A. Christ is the supreme example of humility and selfless concern for others.
1. Many people believe that they can not control their moods or attitudes.
2. Paul wants his readers to realize that as a Spirit-filled Christian we are not to be slaves to our attitudes and feelings.
3. If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace. (Romans 8:6—New Living)
4. Christ modeled humility in the fact He did not hesitate to set aside His self-willed use of deity when He became a man.
5. As God He had all the rights of deity, and yet during His incarnate state He surrendered His right to manifest Himself visibly as the God of all splendor and glory.
B. Many of the Jews in Jesus’ day had the view that it didn’t matter what your attitudes or motives were as long as you did the right things.
1. When Jesus lived a life of humility he effectively erased this misconception.
2. Oswald Chambers said, “God can do nothing with a man that thinks He is of use to God.”
3. No one can have his own way all they time, in fact no one should expect to.
4. Humility involves admitting our own short comings and seeking the greatest good for the most people even if that means we are not real fond of the results.
5. Humility requires us to display a cooperative spirit seeking the ultimate good for the community and the local church.
II. The right attitude requires a servant’s heart.
A. Many people are willing to serve others if it does not cost them anything. But if there is a price to pay, they suddenly lose interest.
1. Jesus went far beyond us in any act of service. He made servanthood His essential mission.
2. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45—NIV)
3. The person with a servant’s heart does not avoid sacrifice. He lives for the glory of God and the good of others; and if paying a price will honor Christ and help others, he is willing to do it.
4. A servant’s heart leads to joy because it helps us to become more like Christ.
B. Thinking of “others” in an abstract sense only is insufficient; we must get down to the nitty-gritty of true service.
1. A famous philosopher wrote glowing words about educating children but abandoned his own.
2. It was easy for him to love children in the abstract, but when it came down to practice, that was something else.
3. True service and leadership is measured by what you do not what you say. Never expect someone to do something that you are not willing to first do yourself.
4. The motive for service and leadership needs to be love.
5. The person who constantly talks about his sacrifices does not have a servant’s heart.
6. Christianity that doesn’t cost anything is not worth anything.
III. That attitude requires obedience.
A. Jesus was so committed to the Father’s plan that he obeyed it even as far as death.
1. In his obedience: He humbled Himself becoming a man and serving us in the greatest way possible by paying the penalty of death we owed for our sins.
2. This was no ordinary death, but the disgraceful death by crucifixion, a death not allowed for Roman citizens and to Jews indicative of the curse of God.
3. This form of capital punishment was limited to non-Romans and the worst criminals.
4. No better example of humiliation and a selfless attitude for believers to follow could possibly be given than that of Christ.
B. If a leader has the right attitude their obedience will always be evident because right attitudes lead to right actions.
1. Christians and leaders need to live exemplary lives.
2. We must never show favoritism and strive to keep our lives pure.
3. We should never do anything to receive praise or honor, all that we do is to bring glory and honor to God.
4. In all things Christ and His church must come first.
5. Leaders are not just called to be capable, they are called to be committed to the cause.
IV. The right attitude requires a positive vision.
A. Christ kept His focus on the ultimate positive goal of displaying God’s love to mankind and redeeming us from our sins.
1. Can you imagine Jesus as a grump, so negative that by midday people will walk on the other side of the street to avoid making eye contact?
2. His outlook was positive and full of love allowing Him to put the mission ahead of His own personal well being.
3. Christ’s obedience was followed by the Father’s exaltation of Him to the place of highest honor. God exalted and honored the One men despised and rejected.
4. The exaltation refers to His resurrection, ascension, and glorification at the Father’s right hand.
5. His “name” is not merely a title; it refers to His person and to His position of dignity and honor.
B. Church leaders must be motivated themselves and must know what keeps people going so they can encourage others to follow.
1. Dwight Eisenhower put it this way, “Leadership is the art of getting somebody else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.”
2. A leader needs to avoid the seven deadliest words for a church: “We’ve never done it that way before!”
3. Good leaders try not to offend those who have weak consciences but they are never intimidated by a few vocal critics.
4. Vision is often the ability to see the positive amid all the negative and be able to keep moving the people toward the positive.
5. Here is a good rule to apply when making decisions: “Methods are many, principles are few. Methods always change and principles never do.”
6. Where the Bible speaks we must never waver, but in areas of opinion we must remain open-minded.
7. Christian and leaders need to remain flexible and to be receptive to change if it promises to win others to Christ.
8. Is your goal to glorify Christ or self? Do you desire to sacrifice for the kingdom or hold on to comfort?
9. Leadership is not about: “My will be done.” It is always about: “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
During the American Civil War, Gen. George B. McClellan was put in charge of the great Army of the Potomac, mainly because public opinion was on his side. He fancied himself to be a great military leader and enjoyed hearing the people call him “a young Napoleon.” However, his performance was less than sensational. President Lincoln commissioned him General-in-Chief, hoping this would get some action; but still he procrastinated. One evening, Lincoln and two of his staff members went to visit McClellan, only to learn that he was at a wedding. The three men sat down to wait, and an hour later the general arrived home. Without paying any attention to the President, McClellan went upstairs and did not return. Half an hour later, Lincoln sent the servant to tell McClellan that the men were waiting. The servant came back to report McClellan had gone to bed!
His associates angry, Lincoln merely got up and led the way home. “This is no time to be making points of etiquette and personal dignity,” the President explained. “I would hold McClellan’s horse if he will only bring us success.” This attitude of humility was what helped to make Lincoln a great man and a great President. He was not thinking of himself; he was thinking of serving others.
