Embracing Christ-Centered Leadership in the 21st Century (06/21/'24) -Message

Embracing Christ-Centered Leadership in the 21st Century Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In today's world, where titles shine brightly and power dazzles, we often find ourselves adrift in a sea of ambition. Leaders rise, not from the humble depths of service, but on the lofty waves of status and wealth. This reality stands in stark contrast to the teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As we gather here today, let us reflect on the essence of true leadership as modeled by Christ and seek to realign our hearts and minds with His example. In Matthew 23:8-10, Jesus offers us a profound insight into the nature of true leadership: "But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, the Christ." Here, Jesus emphasizes the equality of all believers. We are all brethren, equal in the eyes of our Creator. The call to leadership is not a call to ascend above others, but to kneel beside them, to lift the weary, and to heal the broken. The greatest among us is not the one who commands the loudest, but the one who whispers words of comfort and hope, the one who serves with a heart full of love. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, the lure of worldly gain is strong. The glittering promise of power and prestige can easily lead us astray. But Christ teaches us a different kind of power—a strength that comes not from domination, but from compassion and humility. He calls us to reject the lure of worldly gain and to embrace the cross, to bear others' pain, and in doing so, to find our true gain in the Kingdom of Heaven. Our journey of faith requires a transformation from within—a shift from self-centered ambition to selfless service. As we walk this path, we become beacons of light, guiding others through the darkness with the love of Christ. We must rebuild our hearts and minds, living as servants all our days, following in Christ's footsteps. In this journey, let us turn from prideful thrones to hearts where Christ's true love is sown, where leaders serve with humility and grace. In the end, it is not the titles we bear or the wealth we amass that will define us, but the love we share and the service we render. True leadership in Christ's Kingdom is marked by the grace and humility of a servant. In every act of kindness, in every gesture of compassion, we echo the heart of Jesus. This is our calling, our purpose—to lead by serving, to love without condition, and to shine as lights in a world overshadowed by the pursuit of power. As we embrace this Christ-centered approach to leadership, we pave the way for a new generation of leaders—leaders who, like Christ, are marked not by their power, but by their love and their willingness to serve. This is the path of humble service, the true call to leadership in the 21st century. May we strive with all our might to serve in darkness and in light, for in His grace, we find our sight. Let us become servant leaders, shining bright in the love of Christ. God bless you all. In Christ's service, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 21, 2024)