It is no fun being micromanaged. When you try to give your best, constant criticism communicates a lack of appreciation. Continual second-guessing reveals a lack of trust. And it’s incredibly discouraging. Whether it is a nagging mate, picky parent, or obstructive supervisor, some people’s need to be in control is so strong that they quench the spirits and cool the enthusiasm of those they should be encouraging the most.
Jesus doesn’t do that. The mission He gave His apostles is the most consequential in human history – literally life or death, heaven or hell – yet look at how He led His apostles:
“And he went up on a mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:13-15, ESV).
Instead of micromanaging, Jesus started from a place of relationship. He called whom He desired, and they responded. Sometimes we become so focused on the task or problem at hand that we forget the person in front of us. They are your spouse, your child, or maybe the employee you chose and who chose to work with you. There is something you value about each other – cherish even. Don’t lose sight of that: Jesus didn’t. Now that doesn’t mean that Jesus never confronted any issues with them – He most certainly gave stern correction when it was needed (cf. Mk. 8:31-33). Yet that only came after they had been with Him. He had been personally showing them the right way and sharing in life with them. Criticism lands differently when that is the case.
Yet Jesus’ leadership was about a lot more than giving criticism, constructive or otherwise: Jesus empowered. He wanted them to be with Him so they would be prepared to go preach themselves. He gave them authority to cast out demons. Was there a risk they would mess it up? Sure: that’s what people do, and the disciples were no exception (cf. Mk. 9:14-27). Yet even through the inevitable disappointments, Jesus stayed with them. He kept showing and teaching. He gave them the safe space to ask questions and learn from their mistakes (cf. Mk. 9:28-29).
There’s so much we can learn from how Jesus leads. Let Him lead you.
Find more ways to become like Jesus every day at georgetownchurchofchrist.com.