A Worldview Rooted in Our Connection to the Father
It seems obvious, doesn't it, that a significant lesson in Christian leadership is to turn your eyes heavenward and talk to your leader about what you should be doing. This world is not the source of God's kingdom, and to get God's kingdom or rule on earth, Christian leaders must begin in heaven. We are not to look inward at our own capacity, but heavenward, to how God wants to use our abilities.
As the God-man, Jesus had perfect human capacity to accomplish everything he did in his own power, and yet he accomplished his mission by working in concert with the larger agenda found in the triune relationship. Jesus teaches us by example that our worldview needs to be rooted in our connection to the Father.
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Jesus recognized that the hour had come for his death and resurrection, meaning that his mission on earth was almost complete. In the only detailed conversation we have between him and the Father, he said, "Bring me into the glory we shared before the world began."[5] The understanding that there is a place, a state outside of time, where God dwelled before the earth or solar system existed is essential to carrying out any sacrificial mission. Jesus wanted to return to this existence, and he wanted his followers to experience it as well. And according to the moral imperative set by God, he had to die in order for that to happen. He told his Father in the hearing of Peter, James, and John: "You have given him authority over everyone.... He [meaning himself] gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth."[6]
Jesus later gave his disciples this authority in what is called the Great Commission.[7] He authorized them to do what he had already done—make disciples. When it comes down to the essence of our lives on this earth, it is to be disciples. And when it comes to the primary focus of our work, it is to make disciples. This is the only work that every Christ follower has been authorized to do. Jesus simply passed on to his followers the task that the Father had given to him.
At the end of the conversation, Jesus declared to his Father, "I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."[8 What could be more satisfying to the Christian leader than to please the Father and complete the work he has given you? Jesus' worldview was that success is accomplishing the mission God had given him to do. This worldview is the singular motivation of Christian leadership. Christian leadership is not primarily about technique; it is about why you are in leadership, your reasons for what you do. It is also about whom you are trying to please. Jesus had to be a leader to accomplish the mission that God had given him.
Written by Bill Hull
NOTES:
[5] John 17:5.
[6] John 17:2-3.
[7] See Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8.
[8] John 17:4, emphasis added.
Written by Bill Hull
Taken from The Christian Leader by Bill Hull. Copyright © 2016 by Robert W. Hull. Used by permission of Zondervan. www.zondervan.com.
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