I really enjoyed this week’s reading and
video assignments. My favorite article was by President Spencer W. Kimball – Jesus:
The Perfect Leader. It was from an address delivered to the Young
Presidents organization, Sun Valley, Idaho, 15 January 1977. I’d like to share
parts of it with you today.
President Kimball starts out by saying
that “There are far more things to be said about the Lord Jesus Christ’s remarkable leadership than
any single article or book could possibly cover, but I want to point out a few
of the attributes and skills he demonstrated so perfectly. These same skills
and qualities are important for us all if we wish to succeed as leaders in any
lasting way."
Jesus knew who he was and why he was
here on this planet. That meant he could lead from strength rather than from
uncertainty or weakness.
Jesus operated from a base of fixed
principles or truths rather than making up the rules as he went along. Thus,
his leadership style was not only correct, but also constant.
Jesus
said several times, “Come, follow me.” His was a program of “do what I do,”
rather than “do what I say.” He walked and worked with those he was to serve.
His was not a long-distance leadership. He was not afraid of close friendships;
he was not afraid that proximity to him would disappoint his followers. The
leaven of true leadership cannot lift others unless we are with and serve those
to be led.
Jesus
was a listening leader. Because he loved others with a perfect love, he
listened without being condescending. A great leader listens not only to
others, but also to his conscience and to the
promptings of God.
The Savior’s leadership was selfless. He
put himself and his own needs second and ministered to others beyond the call
of duty, tirelessly, lovingly, effectively.
Jesus’ leadership emphasized the
importance of being discerning with regard to others, without seeking to
control them. He cared about the freedom of his followers to choose.
Jesus knew how to involve his disciples
in the process of life. He gave them important and specific things to do for
their development. Jesus trusts his followers enough to share his work with
them so that they can grow. That is one of the greatest lessons of his
leadership.
Jesus gave people truths and tasks that
were matched to their capacity. He did not overwhelm them with more than they
could manage, but gave them enough to stretch their souls.
Jesus taught us that we are accountable
not only for our actions but also for our very thoughts.
Jesus also taught us how important it is
to use our time wisely.
One of the great teachings of the Man of
Galilee, the Lord Jesus Christ, was that you and I carry within us immense
possibilities. In urging us to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect,
Jesus was not taunting us or teasing us. He was telling us a powerful truth
about our possibilities and about our potential. All the ennobling, perfect,
and beautiful qualities of maturity, of strength, and of courage are found in
this one person. We will find it very difficult to be significant leaders
unless we recognize the reality of the perfect leader, Jesus Christ, and let
him be the light by which we see the way!
What an incredible article! As for my
$100 Challenge, I’m still working on it. I’m going to continue to produce and
sell product until Week 10 when the assignment is over.
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