Father George Rutler-5 Traits Of Jesus Should Guide Your Leadership
He saw potential rather than perfection
Father George Rutler: Since, God cares about our happiness, family’s happiness, and our eternal salvation. Christ did not tell me to strive to be perfect when He said, “Be perfect.” He was helping me to see my divine potential. He wanted me to see a bright future. Father George Rutler stated, “Perfection is on the horizon.” It will only be possible after the Resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all who love Him and keep His commandments”. It is not perfect. Past mistakes are part of the process for achieving perfection.
As used in the Bible, perfection refers to culmination, completion, or complete development. To be perfect, I must first be saved. I must love unconditionally. Christ must make me whole. I believe it is closer to the essence of a good person – one who will “be perfect in Christ” by the grace of God.
He takes good care of herself, listens to her needs, be patient with herself, is kind and repentant, strives for improvement and God can do great things with us if we are willing to serve Him and His children.
Every single disciple of Jesus was a work in progress. He called corrupt tax collectors to tag along with politicians and thieves, as well as simple laborers. So it makes sense that Jesus Christ would choose perfect men to lead his church. He looked at their hearts instead of looking at what was happening outside. He saw their potential. He did not seek perfection but potential.
Our ideas about perfection and our desire to attain it are quite different from the teachings of Christ about the model. Christ does not demand perfection, even though He told us to “Be therefore perfect.” Instead, He reveals our divine potential as God’s children.
He was forgiven even before he was abandoned
Judas finally gave Jesus up for thirty pieces of silver. Jesus knew this would happen. Yet, in Matthew 26 and John 13, he washed Judas’ feet and fed him at his last meal. Jesus cared for Judas, despite his evil intentions. He loved Judas and all those he served.
Jesus asked questions
Religious leaders often challenged Jesus at the time. His followers also questioned him at times as they searched for the truth about God. Jesus usually answered by asking questions. Jesus was teaching both his disciples and Jewish leaders to ask questions and find solutions on their own. He often told stories that required reflection when he answered directly. Jesus asked more questions than Jesus answered.
He did not expect to be served but served others
Jesus stated, “For even Jesus, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his own life for many” (Mark 10, 45, NIV). John 13 saw Jesus wash the feet of his disciples. Although it seems simple, this task was culturally uncommon in Jesus’ time. Leaders did not wash their feet. It was servant work. It was dirty and lowly, but it was not what leaders were expected to do. His followers saw that his true mission as a leader was to serve others.
Jesus was a leader who exhibited grace and accountability
He often showed grace by meeting them unexpectedly. For example, Chapter 7 of John’s Gospel tells us that a woman has committed a crime and should be executed by the law. He replied that everyone is guilty and only innocent people can be convicted. He showed grace and forgiveness to this woman and made her whole again. Then he sent her back to sin no more. He was a leader of grace, but he sent them out with responsibility.
My natural tendency is always to expect others to follow my rules. Therefore, it is often difficult for me to show grace for mistakes. While we can always help others be better, it is essential to remember that people make mistakes and are entitled to dignity. Father george rutler
Leadership can be complex. It can be challenging to make the right decisions and inspire others to become their best selves. Jesus was an example of how to care for others and encourage growth. It is encouraging to know that Christ will shape our hearts as individuals and guide us as leaders.