As we continue our study of the New Testament this year, one trait of the Savior comes through time and time again: His example as a leader.
Throughout His ministry He taught His disciples how to lead. He showed them what He expected of them, and He challenged them — as He challenges us — to follow Him.
President Spencer W. Kimball observed, "His was a program of 'do what I do.' His innate brilliance would have permitted Him to put on a dazzling display, but that would have left His followers far behind. He walked and worked with those He was to serve. His was not a long-distance leadership. He was not afraid of close friendships; He was not afraid that proximity to Him would disappoint His followers." ("Jesus: The Perfect Leader," Ensign, August 1989, p. 5)
Jesus did not sit unobserved by His followers, issuing an occasional directive to them. He was out among the people, healing them, counseling them, teaching them and showing all of us a better way to conduct our lives. He did not shrink from challenges, nor did He remain silent in the face of criticism. His message was to call all men and women to repentance and invite them to love one another.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35.)
President Ezra Taft Benson said, "When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed. . . . The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people and then they take themselves out of the slums. . . . The world would shape human nature; but Christ can change human nature . . . and changed men (and women) can change the world." (Conference Report October 1985, pp. 4-5.)
President Kimball added, "Jesus was not afraid to make demands of those He led. His leadership was not condescending or soft . . . it was selfless. He put Himself and His own needs second and ministered to others beyond the call of duty, tirelessly, lovingly, effectively. Jesus gave people truths and tasks that were matched to their capacity. He did not overwhelm them with more than they could manage, but gave them enough to stretch their souls." (Ensign,August 1989, p. 6.)
In an address to priesthood leaders at a regional conference in Virginia in April 1997, President Gordon B. Hinckley advised: "Bless the people. Lift them. Encourage them. Help them. There are so many in distress. They have so many troubles, so many problems . . . and they need help, and they need encouragement and they need listening to, and that's our great opportunity to bless them." (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 310.)
Jesus also was a listening leader, President Kimball reminded us. "Because He loved others with a perfect love, He listened without being condescending. A great leader listens not only to others, but also to his conscience and to the promptings of God." (Ensign, Aug. 1989, p. 7.)
Jesus set another example for us in personal prayer. President Benson observed: "If we would advance in holiness — increase in favor with God — nothing can take the place of prayer. Let no day pass without it. Communion with the Almighty has been a source of strength, inspiration and enlightment through the world's history to men and women who have shaped the destinies of individuals and nations for good. . . . Prayer will help you understand the apparent conflicts in life — to know that God lives, that life is eternal." (God, Family, Country, p. 8.)
President Hinckley counsels Latter-day Saints to strengthen and sustain one another. "Ours is the task of raising the sights of those of our people who fail to realize the great potential that lies within them. . . . I know that all about us there are many who are in need of help and who are deserving of rescue. Our mission in life, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, must be a mission of saving. . . . We can do more to help those who live on the edge of survival. Ours is a ministry of healing, with a duty to bind the wounds and ease the pain of those who suffer. Upon a world afflicted with greed and contention, upon families distressed by argument and selfishness, upon individuals burdened with sin and troubles and sorrows, I invoke the healing power of Christ, giving my witness of its efficacy and wonder." (Go Forward With Faith, the Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 422.)
Let us answer the Lord's call to follow Him as He leads us today. As we try to emulate His leadership example we can, as President Hinckley observed, in whatever our capacity, help ease the burdens and bless the lives of those around us.
