Since the beginning of this series, we have continued to look at how the character traits of Jesus serve as the example of spiritual leadership. Leading by example is the most powerful and impactful form of leadership. Jesus is the perfect leader who led by example for all of us to follow. Paul wrote about following a Christian example of a life following Jesus some sixteen times in the New Testament. In I Corinthians 11:1, he wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” or “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” In no way was Paul stating that he was the perfect role model example to follow, but he was saying, “Follow my example of my following the example of Christ-the perfect role model.” There was no New Testament at the time, so people could not read about becoming a Christian and had to learn what a Christian was by seeing a life in whom Christ lived. We often say or hear, “Show me an example.” We are to be like Paul. We are to be an example of a life following Christ. You may be the only example of a Christian that someone knows or sees.

If you have small children, it is imperative that they see Christ in you long before they can read and comprehend the New Testament on their own. Your leadership example of following Christ will have the greatest impact in their lives. This holds true in your family, work, church and community. You can make this happen in three ways: 1) Follow an example (Jesus), 2) Be an example (you) and 3) Leave an example (Your life and legacy). This simple verse from I Corinthians 11:1 may well be the shortest and yet the most profound principle of spiritual leadership in all of Scripture. Live it out daily.