There is a seemingly innocent statement made in Hebrews 12:2 that should challenge every leader in the church to do some serious soul-searching. As the writer pictures the life of a Christian, he says as we are running our race he wants us to be “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith …” Keeping one’s eyes on Jesus becomes extremely necessary and important especially to leaders in making right decisions, reacting to criticism, making future plans and in being the kinds of examples that would help people be like Jesus.
Leaders must steadily gaze and attentively analyze Jesus’ example of leadership and not be easily distracted. It is so easy to be swayed by tradition, by “the way we’ve always done some things,” by brotherhood papers and bulletins and by what the world thinks about the Lord’s work. It is easy to be dictated by friends and family members of those who will be affected by tough decisions. Leaders are tempted to keep their ears to the ground and to check the wind direction before they set sail in leading a congregation. One of the greatest qualities that leaders need is being people who have their eyes fastened onto Jesus. Of Jesus it was said, “Teacher we know that you speak and teach what is right and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.” (Luke 20:21.) “What would Jesus do?” is the question to ask when deciding leadership positions and directions.
In Acts 4:13, the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met to discourage Peter and John from leading the early church to greatness. Although they viewed them as being ordinary, unlearned men, they did recognize about them, “and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” By continually looking to Jesus, we become more like him. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 we are instructed that we, “who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness … “As a leader, Jesus must become our example, our counselor, our confidant and pace-setter.
How do you keep your eyes on Jesus?
1) Spending time in the Word of God. Jesus told us to remain in him and he would remain in us and this comes from filling our lives with the gospel of Jesus (John 15).
2) Spend time with others looking at Jesus. The strong need strengthened and encouraged too.
3) When decisions must be made we must ask, “What would Jesus do?” and then follow those guidelines. As a leader, if you get easily discouraged, easily swayed by others and feel ineffective, check who and where you are looking.
At a time when people expected a leader to be strong, brave and bold, Jehosaphat said, “We are powerless , but our eyes are on Thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12). The king stood with all the people-men, women, and infants-before the Lord asking for mercy and to be delivered. Fear was everywhere. The ”day of trouble” was approaching quickly.
Jehosaphat became strong because he was forced to admit his limitations. “When I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10.) God is willing to empower the powerless, lift the loaded, strengthen the weak, and elevate the servant. All of this awaits the child of God whose “eyes are on Thee.” There is the secret!
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