Qualities of Christlike Leaders We Admire
When thinking about the qualities of Christlike leaders, no two Christians are on the same journey toward spiritual maturity. While you grow spiritually, a live audience watches your every move checking out how you’re doing. In some cases, people are glad when you mess up while others come alongside for support.
I’m God’s ambassador delivering the Gospel message so it’s relatable. That message may be a kind word or listening to someone pour out their heart to me, a stranger. I’m God’s mouthpiece by staying silent when someone persecutes me with their words. Other times, God may want me to speak truth and wisdom in a loving tone.
There are certain mistakes I never want to be guilty of as a Child of God. To disobey Him, twist scripture, live an unholy life, and only love certain people.
Qualities of Christlike Leaders: They Obey God
Moses was God’s top man so that meant more chances to make mistakes. When you’re a Christian spiritual leader like Moses, God’s standards for you ramp up higher. Because Moses was God’s spokesman to the Israelites, God expected him to follow commands to the letter.
Many people think God was too harsh on Moses. When you’re a general in God’s army, God doesn’t put up with rookie mistakes. In the scripture below in Deuteronomy and Numbers 20, God explains His decision regarding Moses’ disobedience. God told Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water but Moses struck the rock twice in anger. Scripture doesn’t indicate that God was angry with Moses but forthright. As was true for Moses, disobedience toward God has consequences.
Deuteronomy 32;48 – The Lord said to Moses that very day, “Ascend this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho. View the land of Canaan which I give to the people of Israel for a possession; and die on the mountain which you ascend, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor, and was gathered to his people; because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribath-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because you did not revere me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. For you shall see the land before you; but you shall not go there, into the land which I give to the people of Israel.
Moses ended his ministry with perfect eyesight. Likewise, the rest of his body functioned as designed (see Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses passed the mantle to the new leader, Joshua. Life goes on. Through Joshua’s leadership, Canaan eventually becomes the Israelites’ new home.
For what seemed forever to man and a blip in time for God, the original promise God gave to Abraham in Genesis 17:8 finally becomes a reality.
The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.”
None of us are on the same playing field as Moses. Still, God expects us to pursue the qualities of a spiritual leader and do our best regardless of the spiritual leadership position we hold.
Qualities of Christlike Leaders: They Don’t Twist Scripture
Founders of worldwide ministries may never leave their homes. I know a lady in our town who preaches to a congregation on the other side of the world. She uses her webcam to prepare a weekly message. I write this blog to reach people I’ll never meet. Other Christians go from church to church to deliver the good news of salvation. Pastors lead congregants and others write Christian books.
They don’t make scripture appear wishy-washy because they haven’t fully studied passages to understand their meanings. Jumping over controversial sections of scripture doesn’t help listeners who are eager to learn more about God and truth.
The term Bible thumpers originated when Christians would thump or hold up the Bible in anger thinking that would somehow convince another person to turn away from sin. Christians do the same thing when they quote scripture out of context to make glaring, unspoken accusations against sinners. God’s Word builds up people spiritually so they can face a cruel world. Therefore, one of the most important qualities of a Christlike leader is to honor scripture because the author is Holy.
Qualities of Christlike Leaders: They Live What They Teach
No one will believe a word you say if you’re addicted to porn, drink a 5th of whiskey each week, or keep a secret lover on the side which some Christians do (see my book, Cheating Spouse Help Book for Christian Men). Authentic Christians let Jesus live in and through them so they’re less likely to fall for these serious temptations. They live using this scripture as their motto.
Romans 8:13 – “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.“
Compromisers of the Christian faith are comfortable with their sins. They move so far from God that sin doesn’t penetrate their hearts. That’s the way sin works. It hardens your heart so you’re dead to the Holy Spirit. Maybe you once heard His voice and now you no longer do. Everything you do apart from God’s influence is tainted with death. You no longer hug your kids or spouse. People become distracting swirls rather than opportunities for ministry.
God isn’t first or last in your life. Because you ignore Him, your spiritual well dries up to nothing but dust. You may sound spiritual but behave differently.
And Spiritual Leaders of Christians Love All People
Christians have flaws. Acting like we don’t denies our humanity. Eyebrows shouldn’t go up when a loving biracial couple walks into a church or a person with holes in their shoes and clothing needs food rather than a sermon. A Christian’s top job is to reach out to others with Jesus’ message of salvation exemplified by our deeds. The core of that message means loving people, not just the ones inside the church that fit in cubicles labeled, “Normal.” Every time I think of how to love people God’s way, I remember the song “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”
Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red, brown, yellow, black and white. They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world. (Two other verse headings are: Jesus died for all the children and Jesus rose for all the children).
That little song’s message doesn’t resonate with others when Christians come across as fake and superficial. They may seem uncaring, cliquish, and standoffish when unbelievers don’t measure up to their standards. Yet, Jesus, our spiritual leader, tells us to reach out to prostitutes, addicts, the homeless, and others bent over from brokenness.
Standing on high towers, Christians forget the meaning of grace—God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. The same grace and mercy God offered me (apart from Him I was slimy and scummy) is what He wants me to give to others. I should go all out when I know people can’t give anything back.
Concluding Remarks About Spiritual Leaders of Christianity
Even Christlike leaders make mistakes. People seem to know we mess up before we do. There are a bunch of us struggling with temptation and unmentionable “big” sins. I’ve found that the more I live closer to God, with Him uppermost in my mind and at the top of my priority list, Jesus seems more real to me and others.
When that happens, I’m not looking down my nose at everyone else in condemnation and judgment. I see them as people, like me, who simply need a Savior, every hour—every day. The qualities of a spiritual leader I mentioned are meant to inspire you to reach higher, wider, and deeper to grow spiritually.