There are tons of books and audio about successful leadership. Most of these focus principles to produce earthly outcomes. One striking difference in Jesus’ teaching about Kingdom leadership is that organic leadership springs from Kingdom seeds – “the smallest of all seeds.” It is not about being recognized by men – in fact – it appears quite the opposite. (Matthew 6:5). The Kingdom’s goal is to provide shelter. We can get great insight into the depth of our lives as we think through the ways we shelter others.
The Kingdom has many unique attributes, not the least of which are the supernatural qualities (Matthew 19:26). Jesus was a huge disappointment to the Jewish leaders AND to the nation who had earthly hopes and expectations. There is the people way of doing things, and in stark contrast, there is the Jesus way (John 6:27).
Our challenge is to pursue a paradigm shift from what is merely visible to what is invisible. If we allow our imagination to only be captured by what is visible, we will likely miss the depths of what the Kingdom brings to our lives. God orchestrates the Kingdom. He alone determines value – and His value is of a forever nature!
Check out Matthew 9:9-13. The religious leaders were too blind to see that following Jesus meant entering through the door of humility. They were too self-awesome. This is why pure faith is so simple – yet so complicated to put into practice! (Matthew 18:3).
“Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?” But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” – Matthew 9:10-13
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Enjoy thinking it through!
Jesus’ Words on Leading
God’s Kingdom Leader
A Good Following Song