Who is the Greatest Leader in the World? - Day 16: 100 Days of Leadership

You may not have deliberated much about this, but if you had to choose the greatest leader in the world, who would you choose? Actually, take a step back. By what criteria would you make that choice? I mean, is the greatest leader, the one with the most influence (however that is measured), the most followers, the one who caused the most significant social change, or someone who had the greatest impact on the global economy?

I may sound biased, but the best leader in the world is surely, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I mean let’s look at the resume:

He has billions of followers today and has had millions for the last two millennia.

He revolutionized how we thought about hate and love.

He expressed an upside down kind of leadership model, where titles, position and prestige were not the priority, but rather a servant style of leadership.

He has led many out of hurt, pain, brokenness to a life of peace, purpose and fulfilment.

His teachings were nothing less than transformational. He taught people about forgiveness and humility. He taught people about living a focused, prayer-centered life.

As a leader he empowered disciples to follow him, learn from him and take his message of the Kingdom of God to the surrounding towns and villages and finally, to the ends of the earth.    

Jesus exemplified leadership qualities. He was and is the greatest leader in the world. My leadership tip? Follow Jesus.

What does the Bible say?

Colossians 1:15-18 - The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

What will I do now?

If you could emulate Jesus as a leader, what would you do differently to what you’re doing now? How would you live differently? 

Visionary Leadership is not a walk in the park.

Visionary leadership is not a walk in the park; it's more like an awkward shuffle with a ball and chain around your ankle.

Spiritual visionary leadership is difficult yet rewarding; tiring yet dynamic! If you are visionary leader, then have a read of these eight steps (adapted from Dr. J. Robert Clinton, The Making of a Leader), on what he calls the Eight-Stage Leadership Backlash Cycle:

1. The leader gets hold of a vision from God.
2. The followers become convinced of the vision.
3. The group moves in the direction outlined by the vision.
4. The group then experiences persecution, hard times, or attacks from Satan (spiritual warfare) because of the impending implementation of the vision.
5. There is backlash from the group.
6. The leader is driven to God to seek affirmation of the original vision, and for perseverance in light of the opposition.
7. God reveals himself further to the leader of the vision, and who he is, what he intends to do, and God provides reassurance of the fact that he will deliver the vision.
8. God vindicates himself and the leader.

Visionary leadership is difficult. Now, grabbing a hold of a vision from God, and convincing others of the vision is generally the exciting part. People are energized and ready to change the world. The group moves forward and starts to 'kick some goals'. Then the roadblocks happen. I would suggest many a leader gives up at this point. Let me say this: Just because you come up against an obstacle does not invalidate the original vision, but more than likely confirms the importance of its fulfillment. Visionary leaders must push forward when opposition comes. Visionary leaders must not give up when group members turn their back away, become cynical and leave. Visionary leaders spend copious amounts of time in prayer and seek that the Lord would fulfil the vision. Visionary leaders don't give up in the midst of obstacles and set-backs. A God-given vision is a God-given opportunity for change.


More on Leadership Here.
What is a Visionary leader?

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