John C. Maxwell once wrote, “The leader’s attitude helps determine the attitudes of the followers.” Becoming a truly successful leader does not require years of academic study or a large number of followers on social media. It requires having a right attitude towards God, yourself, others, and life. There are many who exemplify this reality; however, none is greater than the Model Leader Himself, Jesus Christ.
If you are to become an agent of change in your country and, by extension, the world (in which this is so urgently needed), it is imperative that you have and increase in Jesus’ Godly characteristics and attitude, above all else. His leadership qualities are not only worth embracing for daily living but are life-transforming and eternally significant.
RESPONSE TO THOSE WHO LEAD
One aspect of your attitude that is essential to your growth as a leader is your response to authority figures in your life. As you go through life, you will have different persons set over you, some respectful, others disrespectful. It must be noted that if you have a weak leader who has a very poor attitude, you should respect them just the same, do your best as you serve, and pray for them, but never follow their negative example.
Considering that your leaders are in your home, school, church, and the wider society, it can then be said that from a young age, you are receiving the leadership training you need, just like we, and even the Son of God, did, too. Hebrews 5:8 says, “Though He was a Son, He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.” This means Jesus allowed and subjected himself to experiences regardless of them being pleasant or unpleasant. He lived according to the will of God.
Now, let’s look at the following excerpt from the Bible highlighting a moment where Jesus learnt this essential of leadership.
“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it… Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions…. So, when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2: 41-43,46,48-49, 51-52
In the above passage, Jesus, while in Jerusalem, had won the respect and hence the ears of the teachers of Jewish law. They were amazed by the astounding wisdom emanating from this youth. Yet, true wisdom was displayed not in the wooing of those hearing His words, but by His humility to His parents when they returned in search of Him. Note the scriptures say He was subject to them. In other words, He was submissive to their authority as His earthly parents, as God commands children to obey their parents. As a result of His humility in all areas of His life, including honouring His parents, Jesus increased in wisdom, stature (maturity), and favour with both God and man.
ATTITUDE SETS ALTITUDE
Zig Ziglar, a renowned American author, beautifully coined this principle in one of His quotes, “…your attitude will determine your altitude.”
Your attitude will be reflected in your speech, whether verbal or non-verbal, which includes your conduct/behaviour.
Consider that having a negative attitude often reveals the inability to exercise self-control and reflects selfishness. Negative attitudes can even become contagious. Jesus, understanding the implications perfectly, cautioned His disciples in Matthew 20:25-28,
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
As you examine your life and ways, if you can identify any bad attitudes you embrace, you need to admit that you do have them, then pray and seek help from God. You can also approach spiritually mature leaders for additional support and guidance.
Passion and Purity is a God-centered charity and para-church organisation, operating primarily in school, church, and media contexts. They aim to help others find their God-given passions and pursue same with purity.
