Steve Lyston | Leaders should learn from Jesus

As we celebrate this Christmas season, it is time for us to reflect on why Jesus came. It is unproductive to get into arguments about whether He was born in December or not, and it is imperative for us to celebrate Him by doing the things He taught us.

Jesus Christ came to redeem mankind and is mankind's only hope. Isaiah 9:67 tells us about His names and His attributes. A child who was born to reign forever upon the throne of David, a wonderful counsellor. He is an exemplary political guide and a leader, the living word and the infallible source of guidance. He is inexhaustible wisdom, the truth and the way, and on Him rest the govern-ments. He is the true hero of His people. Which god do you know that died for his people to set them free from bondage? He is a divine warrior, and the only One who can bring peace in the earth. Jesus demoted Himself to promote us and allow us to become rich (Psalm 66).

Jesus never focused on self or on earthly power. All those are temporary. He taught us to seek the kingdom first and that all things would be added thereafter. Jesus wasn't born into a wealthy family although He owned the world and created everything. He taught us that material things are not all there is to focus on in life. He taught us that there is immeasurable value in human beings. He wasn't born in a hospital or fiver-star hotel, neither did He have health insurance - Obamacare, Trumpcare, or Holnesscare. He was a champion of the poor because He identified with the poor.

Servant-leader

Jesus showed us that where you were born, the family into which you were born or your status do not determine your future and have nothing to do with achieving greatness. One who was seen only as a carpenter's son, who was despised by the academic community and the rabbis of the day because of where He was born, much like it is today in the way we treat those from the inner city. He didn't graduate from the Harvards and from the Ivy League universities of the day, yet He confounded and amazed them with His wisdom and knowledge. He taught the two most important principles of leadership - humility and servanthood, reminding us all that when we enter into leadership at any level, we are called to serve, not to be served.

He is a true servant-leader and transformer of lives. He didn't have four jets and innumerable security personnel, and His number one priority was to upgrade the lives of the poor. Jesus never carried out His function to please the people. He did everything He did to please His father. He did not make decisions for the sake of popularity. He never turned the poor away - He fed them spiritually and physically. Even more so, He did not practise to be politically correct in His communication. Everything He did, He prayed to His father.

He didn't seek the advice of other businessmen, prime ministers, and nation leaders to implement their plans on His people. He sought the father for solutions. He practised one of the greatest economic solutions (Luke 9: 10-17). He looked up to God the father. He blessed, then broke it then gave the resources to be distributed among the people. He knew that without His father's blessings it would be useless to try and manage an economy and distribute the resources. Furthermore, He picked up the fragments, because He understood that there was money in the fragments - solidifying the principle that everything and everyone, including the rejected, have value and can be used. So, Jesus would never ever have a Christmas party, for example, and only invite who He believed was in His category.

Jesus showed us two very important lessons - the power of prayer and the importance of the Holy Spirit in our daily roles and functions.

In addition to that, Jesus was willing to go where no one else was willing to go and He understood (and still does) the importance of timing and preparation.

Let us learn from Jesus.

Merry Christmas to all!