Bishka
Veteran Member
I'd like you all to read the following with an open heart and tell me what you think this article says to you. No debating, just discussion. Thanks. I hope you enjoy it. It is my favorite talk.
Jesus: The Perfect Leader
By President Spencer W. Kimball
From an address delivered to the Young Presidents organization, Sun Valley, Idaho, 15 January 1977
Spencer W. Kimball, Jesus: ThePerfectLeader, Ensign, Aug. 1979, 5
There are far more things to be said about the Lord Jesus Christs 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.
Fixed principles
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. So many secular leaders today are like chameleons; they change their hues and views to fit the situationwhich only tends to confuse associates and followers who cannot be certain what course is being pursued. Those who cling to power at the expense of principle often end up doing almost anything to perpetuate their power.
Jesus said several times, Come, follow me. His was a program of do what I do, rather than do what I say. His innate brilliance would have permitted him to put on a dazzling display, but that would have left his followers far behind. 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 kept himself virtuous, and thus, when his closeness to the people permitted them to touch the hem of his garment, virtue could flow from him. (See Mark 5:2434.)
Understanding others
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.
Jesus was a patient, pleading, loving leader. When Peter drew his sword and smote the high priests servant, cutting off his right ear, Jesus said, Put up thy sword into the sheath (John 18:11). Without being angry or perturbed, Jesus quietly healed the servants ear (see Luke 22:51). His reproof of Peter was kind, yet firm.
Because Jesus loved his followers, he was able to level with them, to be candid and forthright with them. He reproved Peter at times because he loved him, and Peter, being a great man, was able to grow from this reproof. There is a wonderful verse in the book of Proverbs all of us need to remember:
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. (Prov. 15:3132.)
It is a wise leader or a wise follower who can cope with the reproof of life. Peter could do this because he knew that Jesus loved him, and thus Jesus was able to groom Peter for a very high place or responsibility in the kingdom.
Jesus saw sin as wrong but also was able to see sin as springing from deep and unmet needs on the part of the sinner. This permitted him to condemn the sin without condemning the individual. We can show forth our love for others even when we are called upon to correct them. We need to be able to look deeply enough into the lives of others to see the basic causes for their failures and shortcomings.
Jesus: The Perfect Leader
By President Spencer W. Kimball
From an address delivered to the Young Presidents organization, Sun Valley, Idaho, 15 January 1977
Spencer W. Kimball, Jesus: ThePerfectLeader, Ensign, Aug. 1979, 5
There are far more things to be said about the Lord Jesus Christs 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.
Fixed principles
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. So many secular leaders today are like chameleons; they change their hues and views to fit the situationwhich only tends to confuse associates and followers who cannot be certain what course is being pursued. Those who cling to power at the expense of principle often end up doing almost anything to perpetuate their power.
Jesus said several times, Come, follow me. His was a program of do what I do, rather than do what I say. His innate brilliance would have permitted him to put on a dazzling display, but that would have left his followers far behind. 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 kept himself virtuous, and thus, when his closeness to the people permitted them to touch the hem of his garment, virtue could flow from him. (See Mark 5:2434.)
Understanding others
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.
Jesus was a patient, pleading, loving leader. When Peter drew his sword and smote the high priests servant, cutting off his right ear, Jesus said, Put up thy sword into the sheath (John 18:11). Without being angry or perturbed, Jesus quietly healed the servants ear (see Luke 22:51). His reproof of Peter was kind, yet firm.
Because Jesus loved his followers, he was able to level with them, to be candid and forthright with them. He reproved Peter at times because he loved him, and Peter, being a great man, was able to grow from this reproof. There is a wonderful verse in the book of Proverbs all of us need to remember:
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. (Prov. 15:3132.)
It is a wise leader or a wise follower who can cope with the reproof of life. Peter could do this because he knew that Jesus loved him, and thus Jesus was able to groom Peter for a very high place or responsibility in the kingdom.
Jesus saw sin as wrong but also was able to see sin as springing from deep and unmet needs on the part of the sinner. This permitted him to condemn the sin without condemning the individual. We can show forth our love for others even when we are called upon to correct them. We need to be able to look deeply enough into the lives of others to see the basic causes for their failures and shortcomings.