Our world is filled with strong leaders—people who hold the attention of the masses and influence culture dramatically. But strong leaders are not necessarily godly leaders. Many strong leaders are arrogant, self-reliant, and self-serving. By contrast, the Lord Jesus Christ modeled godly leadership—humbly laying down His own life out of love. Indeed, He clarified for His followers, “[W]hoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, . . . just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28). Let’s take a look at some of the key characteristics of the leadership style of Jesus.
To be a godly leader is to have a humble heart focused on Christ.
1) Godly leaders resist temptation.
Our unwillingness to govern and resist our impulses will continually place us in situations of conflict. As Christians, we have to govern our impulses. We cannot turn off temptation, but we can live victoriously over temptation by surrendering our will to God—just as Christ did (see Philippians 2:6-8).
2) Godly leaders work for their audience of one.
Working for Jesus frees us from the need to seek the approval of others. There’s no need to compete, put others down, or take credit for the contributions of others. God is watching; He knows the work you’ve done, and He is the most gracious boss you’ve ever had. So, if you truly wish to lead with Christlikeness, then you must check your ego at the door.
3) Godly leaders act faithfully and respect the Truth.
Leadership success in Jesus’ eyes is not about fame, power, or position but about faithfulness. And being faithful to Jesus will often cause us to be at odds with this world. In the face of worldly pressure, we may find it easy to compromise the Truth or speak the Truth without love. But those who lead with the leadership style of Jesus must speak, live, and handle the Truth with faithfulness and love.
4) Godly leaders forgive readily.
Any man or woman desiring to be a leader like Jesus must be a forgiving person because Jesus has a radical willingness to forgive (see John 8:10- 11, Matthew 9:2, Luke 23:34). As God’s children, we ought to be people who understand the power of true forgiveness. As leaders, opposing sin in our lives and the lives of those who follow us is a must. Yet we must offer forgiveness and a pathway to restoration.
5) Godly leaders lead sacrificially and serve generously.
Leaders must cast the vision, set the direction, inspire and motivate, and give orders. However, as Jesus modeled, a godly leader also knows, serves, and sacrifices for those who follow. Generous leaders see the needs of the people around them as opportunities to share the love of God, invest in others, and build genuine relationships.
6) Godly leaders prioritize people over tradition.
Jesus never broke the laws His Father gave to Moses, but He was notorious for placing the needs of people above the man-made rules of His day. While traditions stand the test of time because they have proven helpful, a godly leader will not force a tradition simply for the sake of tradition if it is burdening others. A godly leader will put people first.
7) Godly leaders raise up the next generation of leaders.
As leaders who follow Jesus, we must be on the lookout for opportunities to mentor and encourage those around us. Jesus affirmed His disciples by calling them friends, commending them on their righteous works and faith, and trusting them with increasingly more responsibility (see John 15:14-15; 20:21; 21:15-17). When Jesus affirmed His followers, He increased their confidence. He empowered them to believe they could take on the world, and they did.
To be a godly leader is to have a humble heart focused on Christ. It’s a high calling to maintain—and impossible without the Holy Spirit. But take heart: God will equip and empower you for His work as you live to hear those gracious words, “Well done, good and faithful servant! . . . Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:23).
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