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Why Bossing Never Works

Why Lording Never Works

In the scriptures of Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus addresses the issue of lording over others and provides a valuable lesson on leadership. He highlights the difference between the rulers of the Gentiles who exercise authority and those who desire greatness among His followers. Jesus emphasizes that true leadership is not about exerting power and control over others but rather serving and inspiring them.

The teachings of Jesus challenge the notion that leadership is synonymous with dominance and control. Instead, He presents a different perspective, one that resonates with successful entrepreneurs and effective leaders across various fields. Jesus emphasizes that the greatest leader is the one who leads by example.

 

A leader's ability

A leader’s ability to inspire and motivate others is crucial for productivity and success, whether in business or any other endeavor. Passionate workers are more likely to follow a leader who demonstrates progress and acts with integrity. Jesus understood this concept deeply and shared it with great wisdom.

He said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you.” Jesus distinguishes the leadership model of the world from the one He desires for His followers. He challenges the common perception that authority should be imposed from the top down.

 

His kingdom is upside down from the world's perspective

While it is true that God values authority, the structure of authority in His kingdom is upside down from the world’s perspective. In God’s kingdom, the leader is at the bottom, and the people are at the top. A leader’s role is to serve and sacrifice for those they lead. Just as Jesus did not come to be served but to serve and give His life, leaders are called to lay down their lives for their followers.

If we claim to be imitators of Christ as Christians, then our approach to leadership should mirror His. God’s heart is one of service and sacrificial love. He demonstrated this through Jesus, His Son. As pastors and preachers, we should strive to follow Jesus’ example and serve our congregations with selflessness and love.

It is essential to recognize that God serves us. He does the work for us, and our role is to enter into His rest and trust in His finished work. The Kingdom of God operates from the bottom up, where the one at the bottom is considered greater than the one at the top. This understanding challenges the fear-based perception of God that some Christians are taught.

 

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. – 1 John 4:18

The Bible states, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” Lording over others creates fear, which eventually leads to resentment and even hatred. It is unfortunate that many atheists who have been taught to fear God end up rejecting His existence.

In conclusion, as Christians, we should question the practice of lording over others and recognize that there is a better way. Jesus taught us that the first should be last, and the last shall be first. True leadership is found in serving and inspiring others, not in dominating them. Lording over others never works and can lead to fear, hatred, and a misunderstanding of God’s true nature. May we strive to embrace the example set by Jesus and become servant leaders who lead with love, humility, and compassion.

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