To reiterate the thought from the past two days: the greatest characteristic we can have as spiritual leaders is to be Christ-like; for in being like Christ all the other qualities freely flow. This is the only characteristic that gives authentic and genuine direction to those you are leading; it takes the attention off of you and places it upon the Lord. This is why John the Baptist was the greatest born among women. John said, “He must increase, I must decrease.” 

     Consider for just a moment those people who have the most influence in your life. More than likely, they have characteristics of Christ. Consider great leaders today in our churches and ministries; the most effective ones are those who have characteristics of Christ.  You see anything less than Christ is a letdown, and anything more than Christ is an impossibility. Therefore, as spiritual leaders we must strive to walk with the feet of Jesus, speak with the mouth of Jesus, love with the heart of Jesus, and live with the life of Jesus.

     I conclude with a great thought from Mel Lawrenz, “The only enduring influence we have to offer others is the influence God has in our own lives.” Christ-like, that’s a word worth living up to.