October 16th, 2025
by Pastor Pencil Boone
by Pastor Pencil Boone
Ever wonder what it truly means to lead like Jesus in today's world? In a culture that often prioritizes personal ambition and image over genuine relationships, Jesus offers a radically different approach. He calls us to lead from a place of love, surrender, and authenticity. But how do we embody this in our daily lives?
The Heart of Leadership: Dedication and Integrity
In the Gospel of John, chapter 8, we find a powerful story that illustrates Jesus' approach to leadership. The religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, not out of a desire for justice, but to trap Him. They used her as a pawn in their political game, highlighting a common pitfall in leadership—using others for personal gain.
Jesus, however, turned the situation on its head. Instead of condemning the woman, He challenged her accusers, saying, "The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her." This moment of profound wisdom shifted the focus from the woman's sin to the hypocrisy of her accusers. Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is about protecting the vulnerable and leading with integrity.
Living Authentically: Aligning Private and Public Lives
One of the key takeaways from this story is the importance of aligning our private lives with our public message. Jesus' authority in public came from His private devotion to God. Before facing the day's challenges, He spent time in prayer on the Mount of Olives. This private dedication fueled His public ministry and gave weight to His teachings.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with the same integrity. Our actions in private should confirm what we say in public. This means examining our motives, acknowledging our own shortcomings, and creating space for self-reflection. When we lead with authenticity, we create environments where others can encounter hope and transformation.
Practical Steps to Lead Like Jesus
1. Refuse to Exploit Others: Protect against using others' failures for personal gain. Instead, seek to restore and uplift those around you.
2. Examine Your Motives: Before pointing out the faults of others, take time to reflect on your own life. Are you living in a way that aligns with Jesus' teachings?
3. Create Space for Reflection: Like Jesus, take time for solitude and prayer. Allow these moments to shape your character and guide your actions.
4. Extend Grace: Offer acceptance and love before demanding change. This approach fosters trust and opens the door to genuine transformation.
A Call to Action
As you go about your week, consider how you can lead like Jesus in your own life. Are there areas where you need to align your private actions with your public words? How can you extend grace and love to those around you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who leads with love, integrity, and grace. Help us to follow His example in our own lives. May we be leaders who protect the vulnerable, live authentically, and extend Your love to all we encounter. Guide us in aligning our private lives with our public message, so that we may reflect Your character in all we do. Amen.
By embracing these principles, we can lead with the same grace and truth that Jesus demonstrated, transforming not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. Let's choose to lead like Jesus, with dedication and integrity, every day.
The Heart of Leadership: Dedication and Integrity
In the Gospel of John, chapter 8, we find a powerful story that illustrates Jesus' approach to leadership. The religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, not out of a desire for justice, but to trap Him. They used her as a pawn in their political game, highlighting a common pitfall in leadership—using others for personal gain.
Jesus, however, turned the situation on its head. Instead of condemning the woman, He challenged her accusers, saying, "The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her." This moment of profound wisdom shifted the focus from the woman's sin to the hypocrisy of her accusers. Jesus demonstrated that true leadership is about protecting the vulnerable and leading with integrity.
Living Authentically: Aligning Private and Public Lives
One of the key takeaways from this story is the importance of aligning our private lives with our public message. Jesus' authority in public came from His private devotion to God. Before facing the day's challenges, He spent time in prayer on the Mount of Olives. This private dedication fueled His public ministry and gave weight to His teachings.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with the same integrity. Our actions in private should confirm what we say in public. This means examining our motives, acknowledging our own shortcomings, and creating space for self-reflection. When we lead with authenticity, we create environments where others can encounter hope and transformation.
Practical Steps to Lead Like Jesus
1. Refuse to Exploit Others: Protect against using others' failures for personal gain. Instead, seek to restore and uplift those around you.
2. Examine Your Motives: Before pointing out the faults of others, take time to reflect on your own life. Are you living in a way that aligns with Jesus' teachings?
3. Create Space for Reflection: Like Jesus, take time for solitude and prayer. Allow these moments to shape your character and guide your actions.
4. Extend Grace: Offer acceptance and love before demanding change. This approach fosters trust and opens the door to genuine transformation.
A Call to Action
As you go about your week, consider how you can lead like Jesus in your own life. Are there areas where you need to align your private actions with your public words? How can you extend grace and love to those around you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus, who leads with love, integrity, and grace. Help us to follow His example in our own lives. May we be leaders who protect the vulnerable, live authentically, and extend Your love to all we encounter. Guide us in aligning our private lives with our public message, so that we may reflect Your character in all we do. Amen.
By embracing these principles, we can lead with the same grace and truth that Jesus demonstrated, transforming not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. Let's choose to lead like Jesus, with dedication and integrity, every day.
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