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Good Leadership—Where Can We Find It?The Watchtower—2002 | March 15
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Good Leadership—Where Can We Find It?
“EVERY house is constructed by someone,” states the Bible, “but he that constructed all things is God.” (Hebrews 3:4; Revelation 4:11) Since the true God, Jehovah, is our Creator, he “well knows the formation of us.” (Psalm 103:14) He has full knowledge of our limitations and needs. And because he is a loving God, he wants to satisfy those needs. (Psalm 145:16; 1 John 4:8) Our need for good leadership is no exception.
Through the prophet Isaiah, Jehovah declared: “Look! As a witness to the national groups I have given him, as a leader and commander to the national groups.” (Isaiah 55:4) The solution to today’s leadership crisis involves identifying this Leader—appointed by the Almighty himself—and accepting his leadership. Who, then, is this foretold Leader and Commander? What are his credentials as a leader? Where would he lead us? What must we do to benefit from his leadership?
The Promised Leader Arrives
Some 2,500 years ago, the angel Gabriel appeared to the prophet Daniel and told him: “You should know and have the insight that from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be seven weeks, also sixty-two weeks. She will return and be actually rebuilt, with a public square and moat, but in the straits of the times.”—Daniel 9:25.
Clearly, the angel was informing Daniel of the specific time for the coming of Jehovah’s chosen Leader. “Messiah the Leader” would appear at the end of 69 weeks, or 483 years, counting from 455 B.C.E., when the word went out to rebuild Jerusalem.a (Nehemiah 2:1-8) What happened at the end of that period? The Gospel writer Luke relates: “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was district ruler of Galilee [29 C.E.], . . . God’s declaration came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. So he came into all the country around the Jordan, preaching baptism in symbol of repentance for forgiveness of sins.” At that time, “the people were in expectation” of Messiah the Leader. (Luke 3:1-3, 15) Although crowds came to John, he was not that Leader.
Then in about October of 29 C.E., Jesus of Nazareth came to John to be baptized. And John bore witness, saying: “I viewed the spirit coming down as a dove out of heaven, and it remained upon him. Even I did not know him, but the very One who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘Whoever it is upon whom you see the spirit coming down and remaining, this is the one that baptizes in holy spirit.’ And I have seen it, and I have borne witness that this one is the Son of God.” (John 1:32-34) At his baptism, Jesus became the anointed Leader—the Messiah, or Christ.
Yes, the promised “leader and commander to the national groups” proved to be Jesus Christ. And when we examine his qualities as a leader, we readily discern that his leadership greatly exceeds the modern-day requirements of an ideal leader.
The Messiah—An Ideal Leader
A good leader gives clear direction and helps people under his care to gain personal strength and resources so that they can solve problems successfully. ‘This is a requisite for the successful 21st century leader,’ says the book 21st Century Leadership: Dialogues With 100 Top Leaders. How well Jesus prepared his listeners to handle day-to-day situations! Just consider his most famous discourse—the Sermon on the Mount. Rich in practical advice are the words recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7.
Consider, for example, Jesus’ advice on settling personal differences. He said: “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift.” (Matthew 5:23, 24) Taking the initiative in making peace with others takes first priority—even over performing a religious duty, such as presenting gifts on the temple altar in Jerusalem as required by the Mosaic Law. Otherwise, acts of worship are unacceptable to God. Jesus’ advice is as practical today as it was centuries ago.
Jesus also helped his listeners to avoid the snare of immorality. He admonished them: “You heard that it was said, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27, 28) What a fitting warning! Why should we start down the road toward committing adultery by entertaining thoughts about it? Out of the heart come fornication and adultery, said Jesus. (Matthew 15:18, 19) We are wise to safeguard our heart.—Proverbs 4:23.
The Sermon on the Mount also contains excellent advice on loving one’s enemies, on displaying generosity, on having the proper view of material and spiritual things, and the like. (Matthew 5:43-47; 6:1-4, 19-21, 24-34) Jesus even showed his audience how to seek God’s help by teaching them how to pray. (Matthew 6:9-13) Messiah the Leader strengthens and prepares his followers to deal with problems common to mankind.
Six times in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus introduces his statements with the expression “you heard that it was said” or “moreover it was said,” but he then presents another idea, saying “however, I say to you.” (Matthew 5:21, 22, 27, 28, 31-34, 38, 39, 43, 44) That indicates that his listeners were accustomed to acting in a certain way, according to the oral Pharisaic traditions. But Jesus was now showing them a different way—one that reflected the true spirit of the Mosaic Law. Jesus was thus introducing a change, and he did this in a way that made it easy for his followers to accept. Yes, Jesus moved people to make dramatic changes in their lives, spiritually and morally. This is a mark of a true leader.
A management textbook points out how difficult it is to bring about such a change. It says: “The change agent [leader] needs the sensitivity of a social worker, the insights of a psychologist, the stamina of a marathon runner, the persistence of a bulldog, the self-reliance of a hermit, and the patience of a saint. And even with all those qualities, there is no guarantee of success.”
“Leaders must behave the way they wish their followers would behave,” noted an article entitled “Leadership: Do Traits Matter?” Indeed, a good leader practices what he preaches. How true that was of Jesus Christ! Yes, he taught those with him to be humble, but he also provided an object lesson for them by washing their feet. (John 13:5-15) He did not just send out his disciples to preach the good news of God’s Kingdom, but he exerted himself vigorously in that work. (Matthew 4:18-25; Luke 8:1-3; 9:1-6; 10:1-24; John 10:40-42) And in the matter of responding to leadership, Jesus set an example. “The Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative,” he said about himself, “but only what he beholds the Father doing.”—John 5:19.
The foregoing consideration of what Jesus said and did clearly shows that he is the ideal Leader. In fact, he exceeds all human standards for good leadership. Jesus is perfect. Having received immortality following his death and resurrection, he lives forever. (1 Peter 3:18; Revelation 1:13-18) What human leader can match these qualifications?
What Must We Do?
As the reigning King of God’s Kingdom, “Messiah the Leader” will shower blessings upon obedient mankind. In this regard the Scriptures promise: “The earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.” (Isaiah 11:9) “The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:11) “They will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.” (Micah 4:4) “God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”—Revelation 21:3, 4.
The world today is experiencing a leadership crisis. Jesus Christ, though, is leading meek ones into a peaceful new world, where obedient mankind will be united in the worship of Jehovah God and will press forward toward perfection. How vital it is that we take time to gain knowledge of the true God and his appointed Leader and act in harmony with that knowledge!—John 17:3.
One of the finest compliments we can pay a person is to imitate him. Should we not then try to imitate the greatest Leader in human history—Jesus Christ? How may we do so? What impact will accepting his leadership have on our lives? These questions and others will be discussed in the following two articles.
[Footnote]
a See pages 186-92 of the book Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[Picture on page 4]
Daniel foretold the coming of God’s chosen Leader
[Pictures on page 7]
Jesus’ teachings prepared people to deal with life’s problems
[Picture on page 7]
Jesus will lead obedient mankind into a peaceful new world
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Is Christ’s Leadership Real to You?The Watchtower—2002 | March 15
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Is Christ’s Leadership Real to You?
“Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.”—MATTHEW 23:10.
1. Who alone is the Leader of true Christians?
IT WAS Tuesday, Nisan 11. Three days later, Jesus Christ would be put to death. This was his last visit to the temple. On this day, Jesus imparted an important teaching to the crowds that had gathered there and to his disciples. He said: “Do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for your Leader is one, the Christ.” (Matthew 23:8-10) Clearly, Jesus Christ is the Leader of true Christians.
2, 3. Listening to Jehovah and accepting the Leader he has appointed have what effect on our lives?
2 What beneficial effects Jesus’ leadership has on our lives when we accept it! Foretelling the coming of this Leader, Jehovah God declared through the prophet Isaiah: “Hey there, all you thirsty ones! Come to the water. And the ones that have no money! Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk even without money and without price. . . . Listen intently to me, and eat what is good, and let your soul find its exquisite delight in fatness itself. . . . Look! As a witness to the national groups I have given him, as a leader and commander to the national groups.”—Isaiah 55:1-4.
3 Isaiah used common liquids—water, milk, and wine—as metaphors to show how our personal life is affected when we listen to Jehovah and follow the Leader and Commander he has given us. The result is refreshing. It is like drinking a cold glass of water on a hot day. Our thirst for truth and righteousness is quenched. As milk strengthens babies and helps them to grow, ‘the milk of the word’ fortifies us and promotes spiritual growth in our relationship with God. (1 Peter 2:1-3) And who can deny that wine contributes to joy on festive occasions? In a comparable way, worshiping the true God and following in the footsteps of his appointed Leader makes life “nothing but joyful.” (Deuteronomy 16:15) It is vital, then, that all of us—young and old, male and female—show that Christ’s leadership is real to us. How, though, may we demonstrate in our daily life that the Messiah is our Leader?
Youths—Go On “Progressing in Wisdom”
4. (a) What took place when 12-year-old Jesus visited Jerusalem at the time of the Passover? (b) How well-informed was Jesus at only 12 years of age?
4 Consider the example that our Leader set for young ones. Although little is known of Jesus’ childhood, one incident is quite revealing. When Jesus was 12 years old, his parents took him on their annual visit to Jerusalem for the Passover. On this occasion he became engrossed in a Scriptural discussion, and his family inadvertently left without him. Three days later his worried parents, Joseph and Mary, found him in the temple, “sitting in the midst of the teachers and listening to them and questioning them.” Moreover, “all those listening to him were in constant amazement at his understanding and his answers.” Imagine, at only 12 years of age, Jesus could not only ask thought-provoking, spiritually oriented questions but also give intelligent answers! Doubtless, he had been aided by parental training.—Luke 2:41-50.
5. How may young ones evaluate their attitude toward family Bible study?
5 Perhaps you are a young person. If your parents are devoted servants of God, likely there is a regular program of family Bible study in your home. What is your attitude toward the family study? Why not reflect upon such questions as: ‘Am I wholeheartedly supporting the arrangement for Bible study in my family? Do I cooperate with it, not doing anything to upset the routine?’ (Philippians 3:16) ‘Am I an active participant in the study? When appropriate, do I ask questions regarding the study material and comment on its application? As I progress spiritually, am I cultivating a taste for “solid food [that] belongs to mature people”?’—Hebrews 5:13, 14.
6, 7. How valuable can a program of daily Bible reading be to youths?
6 A program of daily Bible reading is also valuable. The psalmist sang: “Happy is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked ones, . . . but his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night.” (Psalm 1:1, 2) Moses’ successor, Joshua, ‘read in the book of the law in an undertone day and night.’ This enabled him to act wisely and have success in carrying out his God-given assignment. (Joshua 1:8) Our Leader, Jesus Christ, said: “It is written, ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.’” (Matthew 4:4) If we need physical food every day, how much more so do we need spiritual food on a regular basis!
7 Realizing her spiritual need, 13-year-old Nicole started to read the Bible every day.a Now, at age 16, she has read the entire Bible once and is about halfway through it a second time. Her method is simple. “I make it a point to read at least one chapter a day,” she says. How has her daily Bible reading helped her? She answers: “Bad influences today are plentiful. I daily meet pressures at school and elsewhere that challenge my faith. Reading the Bible every day helps me quickly to recall Bible commands and principles that encourage me to resist these pressures. As a result, I feel closer to Jehovah and Jesus.”
8. What was Jesus’ custom regarding the synagogue, and how can young ones imitate him?
8 Jesus had the custom of listening to and participating in Scripture reading in the synagogue. (Luke 4:16; Acts 15:21) How good it is for young ones to follow that example by regularly attending Christian meetings, where the Bible is read and studied! Expressing appreciation for such meetings, 14-year-old Richard says: “The meetings are valuable to me. I am constantly reminded there of what is good and bad, what is moral and immoral, what is Christlike and what is not. I do not have to find that out the hard way—by experience.” Yes, “the reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.” (Psalm 19:7) Nicole too makes it a point to attend all five congregation meetings every week. She also spends from two to three hours preparing for them.—Ephesians 5:15, 16.
9. How can young ones go on “progressing in wisdom”?
9 Youth is a good time to acquire ‘knowledge of the only true God, and of the one whom he sent forth, Jesus Christ.’ (John 17:3) You may know young people who spend a lot of time reading comic books, watching television, playing video games, or surfing the Internet. Why should you imitate them when you can follow the perfect example of our Leader? As a boy, he took delight in learning about Jehovah. And what was the result? Because of his love for spiritual things, “Jesus went on progressing in wisdom.” (Luke 2:52) So can you.
“Be in Subjection to One Another”
10. What will help family life to be a source of peace and happiness?
10 The home can be a haven of peace and contentment or a battleground of strife and contention. (Proverbs 21:19; 26:21) Our accepting Christ’s leadership contributes to peace and happiness in the family. Jesus’ example, in fact, is the model for family relations. The Scriptures state: “Be in subjection to one another in fear of Christ. Let wives be in subjection to their husbands as to the Lord, because a husband is head of his wife as the Christ also is head of the congregation, he being a savior of this body. . . . Husbands, continue loving your wives, just as the Christ also loved the congregation and delivered up himself for it.” (Ephesians 5:21-25) To the congregation in Colossae, the apostle Paul wrote: “You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.”—Colossians 3:18-20.
11. How can a husband show that Christ’s leadership is real to him?
11 Following this counsel means that the husband takes the lead in the family, his wife loyally supports him, and the children obey their parents. Man’s headship, though, results in happiness only when it is handled properly. A wise husband must learn how to exercise headship by imitating his own Head and Leader, Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 11:3) Even though Jesus later became “head over all things to the congregation,” he came to earth, “not to be ministered to, but to minister.” (Ephesians 1:22; Matthew 20:28) In a similar way, a Christian husband exercises his headship, not for selfish advantage, but to care for the interests of his wife and children—yes, the entire family. (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) He seeks to imitate the godly qualities of his head, Jesus Christ. Like Jesus, he is mild-tempered and lowly in heart. (Matthew 11:28-30) Such words as “I am sorry” or “you are right” are not difficult for him to say when he is wrong. His fine example makes it easier for a wife to be a “helper,” a “complement,” and a “partner” to such a man, learning from him and working side by side with him.—Genesis 2:20; Malachi 2:14.
12. What will help a wife abide by the headship principle?
12 The wife, for her part, is to be in subjection to her husband. However, if she is affected by the spirit of the world, this may begin to undermine her view of the headship principle, and the idea of being in subjection to a man would not appeal to her. The Scriptures do not suggest that the man should be domineering, but they do require that wives be in subjection to their husbands. (Ephesians 5:24) The Bible also holds the husband or father accountable, and when its counsel is applied, this contributes to peace and order in the family.—Philippians 2:5.
13. What example of subjection has Jesus provided for children?
13 Children are to be obedient to their parents. In this regard, Jesus set an excellent example. Following the temple incident when 12-year-old Jesus was left behind for three days, “he went down with [his parents] and came to Nazareth, and he continued subject to them.” (Luke 2:51) Children’s subjection to their parents contributes to peace and harmony in the family. When everyone in the family submits to Christ’s leadership, the result is a happy family.
14, 15. What will help us succeed when facing a challenging situation at home? Give an example.
14 Even when challenging situations arise in the home, the key to success is imitating Jesus and accepting his guidance. For example, the marriage of 35-year-old Jerry to Lana, the mother of a teenage daughter, brought on a challenge that neither of them had imagined. Jerry explains: “I knew that to be a good head, I needed to apply the same Bible principles that bring success in other families. But I soon discovered that I had to apply them with greater wisdom and discernment.” His stepdaughter viewed him as someone who had come between her and her mother and resented him immensely. Jerry needed discernment to see that this attitude affected what the girl said and did. How did he handle the situation? Jerry answers: “Lana and I agreed that at least for the time being, Lana would take care of the disciplining aspect of parenting while I focused on building a good relationship with my stepdaughter. In time, this approach did bring good results.”
15 When faced with difficult situations at home, we need discernment to find out why family members talk and act the way they do. We also need wisdom to apply godly principles properly. Jesus, for example, clearly discerned why the woman suffering from a flow of blood had touched him, and he dealt with her wisely and compassionately. (Leviticus 15:25-27; Mark 5:30-34) Wisdom and discernment are characteristics of our Leader. (Proverbs 8:12) We are happy if we act the way he would.
‘Keep On Seeking First the Kingdom’
16. What should occupy the central place in our lives, and how did Jesus show this by his example?
16 Jesus left no doubt as to what should occupy the central place in the lives of those who accept his leadership. He said: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his [God’s] righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) And by his example, he showed us how to do this. At the end of the 40-day period of fasting, meditating, and praying that followed his baptism, Jesus encountered a temptation. Satan the Devil offered him rulership over “all the kingdoms of the world.” Imagine the life Jesus could have had if he had accepted the Devil’s offer! Christ, however, was focused on doing his Father’s will. He realized, too, that such a life in Satan’s world would be short. He immediately rejected the Devil’s offer, stating: “It is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” Soon thereafter, Jesus “commenced preaching and saying: ‘Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’” (Matthew 4:2, 8-10, 17) For the rest of his earthly life, Christ was a full-time proclaimer of God’s Kingdom.
17. How can we show that Kingdom interests have the first place in our lives?
17 We do well to imitate our Leader and not allow Satan’s world to lure us into making a high-paying job and career our main goal in life. (Mark 1:17-21) How foolish it would be for us to become so entangled in a web of worldly pursuits that Kingdom interests become only secondary! Jesus has entrusted us with the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) Yes, we may have a family or other responsibilities to care for, but are we not glad to use evenings and weekends to carry out our Christian responsibility to preach and to teach? And how encouraging it is that during the 2001 service year, some 780,000 were able to serve as full-time ministers, or pioneers!
18. What helps us find joy in the ministry?
18 The Gospel accounts portray Jesus as a man of action as well as a person having tender feelings. Upon seeing the spiritual needs of those around him, he felt pity for them and eagerly offered them help. (Mark 6:31-34) Our ministry becomes joyful when we share in it out of love for others and a sincere desire to help them. But how may we acquire such a desire? “When I was in my teens,” says a young man named Jayson, “I did not particularly enjoy the ministry.” What helped him cultivate love for this work? Jayson answers: “In my family, Saturday mornings were always devoted to field service. This was good for me because the more I went out in the ministry, the more I saw the good it accomplishes and the more I enjoyed it.” We too should regularly and diligently share in the ministry.
19. What should be our determination with regard to Christ’s leadership?
19 It is indeed refreshing and rewarding to accept Christ’s leadership. When we do, youth becomes a time for progressing in knowledge and wisdom. Family life proves to be a source of peace and happiness, and the ministry is an activity that brings joy and satisfaction. By all means, then, let us be determined to show in our daily life and in the decisions we make that the leadership of the Christ is real to us. (Colossians 3:23, 24) Jesus Christ, though, has provided leadership through yet another avenue—the Christian congregation. The next article will discuss how we can benefit from this provision.
[Footnote]
a Some names have been changed.
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Christ Leads His CongregationThe Watchtower—2002 | March 15
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Christ Leads His Congregation
“Look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”—MATTHEW 28:20.
1, 2. (a) When giving the command to make disciples, what did the resurrected Jesus promise his followers? (b) How did Jesus actively lead the early Christian congregation?
BEFORE ascending to heaven, Jesus Christ, our resurrected Leader, appeared to his disciples and said: “All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”—Matthew 23:10; 28:18-20.
2 Jesus not only assigned his disciples the life-saving work of making more disciples but also promised to be with them. The history of early Christianity, as recorded in the Bible book of Acts, shows beyond a doubt that Christ used the authority given him to lead the newly formed congregation. He sent the promised “helper”—the holy spirit—to strengthen his followers and to guide their efforts. (John 16:7; Acts 2:4, 33; 13:2-4; 16:6-10) The resurrected Jesus employed angels at his command to support his disciples. (Acts 5:19; 8:26; 10:3-8, 22; 12:7-11; 27:23, 24; 1 Peter 3:22) Moreover, our Leader provided direction to the congregation by arranging for qualified men to serve as a governing body.—Acts 1:20, 24-26; 6:1-6; 8:5, 14-17.
3. What questions will be discussed in this article?
3 What, though, about our time, “the conclusion of the system of things”? How is Jesus Christ leading the Christian congregation today? And how can we show that we accept this leadership?
The Master Has a Faithful Slave
4. (a) Who make up “the faithful and discreet slave”? (b) What has the Master committed to the care of the slave?
4 When giving the prophecy about the sign of his presence, Jesus said: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” (Matthew 24:45-47) The “master” is our Leader, Jesus Christ, and he has appointed “the faithful and discreet slave”—the body of anointed Christians on earth—over all his earthly interests.
5, 6. (a) In a vision that the apostle John received, what do “the seven golden lampstands” and “the seven stars” picture? (b) What is indicated by the fact that “the seven stars” are in Jesus’ right hand?
5 The Bible book of Revelation shows that the faithful and discreet slave is directly under the control of Jesus Christ. In a vision of “the Lord’s day,” the apostle John saw “seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands someone like a son of man” who “had in his right hand seven stars.” Explaining the vision to John, Jesus said: “As for the sacred secret of the seven stars that you saw upon my right hand, and of the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars mean the angels of the seven congregations, and the seven lampstands mean seven congregations.”—Revelation 1:1, 10-20.
6 “The seven golden lampstands” picture all the true Christian congregations existing in “the Lord’s day,” which began in 1914. But what about “the seven stars”? In the first place, they symbolized all the spirit-begotten, anointed overseers caring for the first-century congregations.a The overseers were in Jesus’ right hand—under his control and direction. Yes, Christ Jesus led the composite slave class. Now, however, the anointed overseers are few in number. How does Christ’s leadership reach out to over 93,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the globe?
7. (a) How does Jesus use the Governing Body to provide leadership in the congregations throughout the earth? (b) Why can it be said that Christian overseers are appointed by holy spirit?
7 As in the first century, a small group of qualified men from among the anointed overseers now serve as the Governing Body, representing the composite faithful and discreet slave. Our Leader uses this Governing Body to appoint qualified men—whether spirit-anointed or not—as elders in the local congregations. In this regard, the holy spirit, which Jehovah has given Jesus authority to employ, plays a pivotal role. (Acts 2:32, 33) First of all, these overseers must meet the requirements set out in God’s Word, which was inspired by holy spirit. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 2 Peter 1:20, 21) The recommendations and appointments are made after prayer and under the guidance of the holy spirit. Additionally, the individuals appointed give evidence of producing the fruitage of that spirit. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Paul’s counsel, then, applies with equal force to all elders, whether anointed or not: “Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers.” (Acts 20:28) These appointed men receive direction from the Governing Body and willingly shepherd the congregation. In this way, Christ is with us now and is actively leading the congregation.
8. How does Christ use angels to lead his followers?
8 Jesus also uses actual angels to lead his followers today. According to the illustration of the wheat and the weeds, harvesttime would come at “the conclusion of the system of things.” Whom would the Master use to do the harvesting? “The reapers are angels,” said Christ. He added: “The Son of man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out from his kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness.” (Matthew 13:37-41) Moreover, just as an angel directed the steps of Philip to find the Ethiopian eunuch, so there is abundant evidence today that Christ uses his angels to direct the work of true Christians in locating honesthearted ones.—Acts 8:26, 27; Revelation 14:6.
9. (a) Through what means does Christ lead the Christian congregation today? (b) What question should we consider if we want to benefit from Christ’s leadership?
9 How reassuring to know that Jesus Christ provides leadership to his disciples today through the Governing Body, the holy spirit, and the angels! Even if some of Jehovah’s worshipers were to become temporarily isolated from the Governing Body because of persecution or the like, Christ would still provide leadership by means of the holy spirit and angelic support. However, we benefit from his leadership only when we accept it. How may we show that we do accept Christ’s leadership?
“Be Obedient . . . Be Submissive”
10. How can we show regard for the appointed elders in the congregation?
10 Our Leader has given the congregations “gifts in men”—“some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:8, 11, 12) Our attitude and actions toward them speak volumes as to whether we accept Christ’s leadership. It is only right that we ‘show ourselves thankful’ for the spiritually qualified men that Christ has given. (Colossians 3:15) They also deserve our respect. “Let the older men who preside in a fine way be reckoned worthy of double honor,” wrote the apostle Paul. (1 Timothy 5:17) How can we display our gratitude and esteem for the older men—elders, or overseers—in the congregation? Paul answers: “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive.” (Hebrews 13:17) Yes, we are to obey them and be submissive, to yield, to them.
11. Why is respect for the elder arrangement a matter of living up to our baptism?
11 Our Leader is perfect. The men he has given as gifts are not. So they may err at times. Yet, it is vital that we remain loyal to Christ’s arrangement. In fact, living up to our dedication and baptism means that we recognize the legitimacy of spirit-appointed authority in the congregation and willingly submit to it. Our baptism ‘in the name of the holy spirit’ is a public declaration that we recognize the holy spirit and acknowledge the role it plays in Jehovah’s purposes. (Matthew 28:19) Such a baptism implies that we cooperate with the spirit and do nothing to hinder its operation among Christ’s followers. Since the holy spirit plays a vital role in the recommendation and appointment of elders, can we really be faithful to our dedication if we fail to cooperate with the elder arrangement in the congregation?
12. What examples regarding disrespect for authority does Jude cite, and what do they teach us?
12 The Scriptures contain examples that teach us the value of obedience and submission. Referring to those who spoke abusively of the appointed men in the congregation, the disciple Jude pointed to three warning examples, saying: “Too bad for them, because they have gone in the path of Cain, and have rushed into the erroneous course of Balaam for reward, and have perished in the rebellious talk of Korah!” (Jude 11) Cain ignored Jehovah’s loving counsel and willfully pursued a course of murderous hatred. (Genesis 4:4-8) Despite receiving repeated divine warnings, Balaam tried to curse God’s people for a financial reward. (Numbers 22:5-28, 32-34; Deuteronomy 23:5) Korah had his own fine responsibility in Israel, but it was not enough for him. He fomented rebellion against God’s servant Moses, the meekest man on earth. (Numbers 12:3; 16:1-3, 32, 33) Calamity befell Cain, Balaam, and Korah. How vividly these examples teach us to listen to the counsel of those whom Jehovah uses in positions of responsibility and to respect them!
13. What blessings did the prophet Isaiah foretell for those who submit to the elder arrangement?
13 Who would not want to benefit from the grand arrangement of oversight that our Leader has instituted in the Christian congregation? The prophet Isaiah foretold its blessings, saying: “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself. And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” (Isaiah 32:1, 2) Each one of the elders is to be such “a place” of protection and safety. Even if submitting to authority is difficult for us, let us prayerfully apply ourselves to being obedient and submissive to the divinely constituted authority within the congregation.
How Elders Submit to Christ’s Leadership
14, 15. How do those taking the lead in the congregation show that they submit to Christ’s leadership?
14 Every Christian—particularly the elders—must follow Christ’s leadership. The overseers, or elders, have a measure of authority in the congregation. But they do not seek to be ‘the masters over the faith of their fellow believers’ by trying to control their lives. (2 Corinthians 1:24) The elders take to heart Jesus’ words: “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them and the great men wield authority over them. This is not the way among you.” (Matthew 20:25-27) As elders fulfill their responsibility, they sincerely try to serve others.
15 Christians are urged: “Remember those who are taking the lead among you, . . . and as you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7) This is not required because elders are leaders. Jesus said: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.” (Matthew 23:10) It is the faith of the elders that is to be imitated because they are imitators of our real Leader, Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1) Consider some ways in which elders strive to be Christlike in their relationship with others in the congregation.
16. Despite the authority he possessed, how did Jesus treat his followers?
16 Even though Jesus was superior to imperfect humans in every way and possessed unmatched authority from his Father, he was modest in his dealings with his disciples. He did not overwhelm his listeners with an impressive display of knowledge. Jesus showed sensitivity and compassion toward his followers, taking their human needs into consideration. (Matthew 15:32; 26:40, 41; Mark 6:31) He never demanded more of his disciples than they could give, and he never put upon them more than they could bear. (John 16:12) Jesus was “mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” Not surprisingly, therefore, many found him to be refreshing.—Matthew 11:28-30.
17. How should elders show Christlike modesty in their relationship with others in the congregation?
17 If Christ the Leader displayed modesty, how much more so should those taking the lead in the congregation! Yes, they are careful not to abuse any authority entrusted to them. And they do “not come with an extravagance of speech,” trying to impress others. (1 Corinthians 2:1, 2) Rather, they endeavor to speak words of Scriptural truth with simplicity and sincerity. Moreover, elders strive to be reasonable in their expectations of others and to be considerate of their needs. (Philippians 4:5) Being aware that everyone has limitations, they lovingly make allowances for these in their brothers. (1 Peter 4:8) And are not elders who are humble and mild-tempered truly refreshing? They are indeed.
18. What can elders learn from the way Jesus treated children?
18 Jesus was approachable and accessible, even to lesser ones. Consider his response when his disciples reprimanded people for “bringing him young children.” “Let the young children come to me,” said Jesus, “do not try to stop them.” Then “he took the children into his arms and began blessing them, laying his hands upon them.” (Mark 10:13-16) Jesus was warm and kind, and others were attracted to him. People were not afraid of Jesus. Even children were at ease in his presence. Elders too are approachable, and as they show warm affection and kindness, others—even children—feel at ease with them.
19. What is involved in having “the mind of Christ,” and what effort does this require?
19 The extent to which elders can imitate Christ Jesus depends upon how well they know him. “Who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, that he may instruct him?” asked Paul. Then he added: “But we do have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16) Having the mind of Christ entails knowing the pattern of his thinking and the full range of his personality so that we know what he might do in a particular situation. Imagine getting to know our Leader that well! Yes, this requires paying close attention to the Gospel accounts and regularly filling our minds with understanding of Jesus’ life and example. When elders put forth effort to follow Christ’s leadership to that degree, those in the congregation are more inclined to imitate their faith. And the elders have the satisfaction of seeing others joyfully follow the footsteps of the Leader.
Continue Under Christ’s Leadership
20, 21. As we look ahead to the promised new world, what should be our determination?
20 It is vital that all of us remain under Christ’s leadership. As we approach the end of this system of things, our position is comparable to that of the Israelites on the Plains of Moab in 1473 B.C.E. They were at the threshold of the Promised Land, and through the prophet Moses, God declared: “You [Joshua] will bring this people into the land that Jehovah swore to their forefathers to give to them.” (Deuteronomy 31:7, 8) Joshua was the appointed leader. To enter into the Promised Land, the Israelites had to submit to Joshua’s leadership.
21 To us the Bible says: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.” Only Christ will lead us into the promised new world in which righteousness is to dwell. (2 Peter 3:13) Let us therefore be determined to submit to his leadership in all areas of life.
[Footnote]
a The “stars” here do not symbolize literal angels. Jesus would hardly use a human to record information for invisible spirit creatures. The “stars” must therefore represent the human overseers, or elders, in the congregations, viewed as Jesus’ messengers. Their number being seven signifies divinely determined completeness.
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