Christ-like Leadership: Emulating the Merits, Mercy, and Grace of the Holy Messiah. By Jess Paul Jones

Transcription

1 Christ-like Leadership: Emulating the Merits, Mercy, and Grace of the Holy Messiah By Jess Paul Jones

2 Introduction There would have been no Atonement except for the character of Christ. 1 The ability to return to the Father, even momentarily, would be impossible without the personage and mission of Christ. His Atoning sacrifice enables all to enter into the presence of the Father to be judged. However, this statement runs deeper than the mere accomplishment of Christ s atonement. Without adopting the character of Christ, it is impossible to become at-one with God. This statement spurred Elder Bednar to consider the character of Christ and how we are to act in doctrine to become converted to Him and His Gospel. 2 We first recognize how Christ s character was then identify how we can interact with his character to emulate his example in the service of others. Developing the divine nature of the Savior should be the aim of all of God s children- to become even as [He is] (3 Nephi 27:27) especially in gospel leadership. Among those priorities of a leader is the responsibility to foster unity, atone-ment of those he or she leads with each other as well as the prophetic priorities. Accomplishing this paramount mission of humanity, however, is only possible through Jesus Christ. Because of his role as Redeemer and Savior, He is uniquely capable to help any situation improve: any life, any family, any workplace anything. The rest of us, however, are uniquely incapable. Moroni noted that man, as they approach Christ, begin to see their weakness more and more (see Ether 12:27). The inevitable truth is that all men fall short, all leadership pales in its influence and longevity when compared to the Savior s capacity to shape the human soul. But regardless of this supreme shortcoming, the Lord expects us to thrust in our sickle with all our might (see D&C 4:4). 1 Neal A. Maxwell, quoted by David A Bednar, Act in Doctrine (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book, 2012), 4. 2 See Bednar, Act in Doctrine,4. 1

3 Considering how we might meet the Lord s grand expectations for us, Elder Bednar observed that, we cannot obtain such a capacity through sheer willpower or personal determination. Rather, we need and are dependent upon the merits, and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah (2 Nephi 2:8) (David A. Bednar, Act in Doctrine, p 14). The merits, mercy and grace that the Savior offers is not simply a balm to perfect the individual; rather, it is a template for all leaders. Using the atonement to enhance our leadership potential is possible by identifying (1) what exactly are the merits, mercy and grace of Christ and (2) what are ways we can extend those qualities to others through our leadership service. This essay examines 2 Nephi 2:8 to discover what are the merits of Christ, the mercy that is extended to us, how His grace affects our growth and development to become perfect like He is (3 Nephi 12:48). The Merits of the Holy Messiah Naturally, when thinking upon the merits of the Savior, many achievements come to mind. He singlehandedly performed the Atonement, fulfilling prophecy and the hopes of his forbearers. Christ forgave others perfectly, suffering for their sins. Christ healed many and blessed countless more. He submitted himself to all the Father chose to inflict upon him. He had power given him to raise from the grave. President John Taylor noted numerous merits and qualities that separate Christ s character from us. They are as follows: 1. Father gave Christ power to have life in himself. See John 5:26. "He had power even when all mankind had lost their life, to restore life to them again..." Christ's body was specifically prepared by God to endure and conquer the pains of sin and death to the infinite 2

4 degree. (Paul described the Son having said, "a body thou has prepared for me." see Hebrews 10:5-9)(Personal note: even when all are dead--seemingly unrecoverable--the Savior has power to breath life back into their souls). 2. He has power to lay down his life and take it up again. (see John 5:25-29; 10:17-18). 3. He is in the express image of the Father. 4. He does only that which he sees His father do. "While we only do that which we are permitted and empowered to do by Him." Personal insight: We are enabled by the savior to be righteous whereas he had power over the effects of the fall throughout his life to perform this perfect atonement. 5. "He is the Elect, the Chosen, and the one of the Presidency in the heavens, and in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily..." 6. He occupies "a position that no other person occupies. He is spoken of as God's well beloved Son, as the Only Begotten of the Father--does not this mean the only begotten after the flesh?" 7. Christ was born and divinely appointed as first born of God's spirit children to be the "representative of God, the Savior and Redeemer of the World." 8. Elder Taylor asks, "He took the position of Savior and Redeemer, which by right belonged to Him as the first born. And does not it seem that having a body specially prepared, and being offspring of God, both in body and spirit, He stood preeminently in the position of the Son of God, or in the place of God and was God, and was thus the fit and only personage capable of making and infinite atonement?" 3

5 9. He is God's son (physically/spiritually) vs. We must become God's sons (physically/spiritually)- "Though others might be the sons of God through Christ, yet it needed His body, His fulfillment of the law, the sacrifice or offering up of that body in the atonement, before any of these others, who were also sons of God by birth in the spirit world, could attain to the position of sons of God as He was; and that only through His mediation and atonement. So that in Him, and of Him and through Him, through the principle of adoption, could we alone obtain that postition which is spoken of by John: 'Beloved, now are we the sons of God...'"(see 1 John 3:2). 3 Naturally, it is clear that many differences exist between Christ and the rest of humanity; yet, he says, Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you (DC 88:78). He still trusts us because there are qualities we bring to the table talents that are specific to us. Therefore, we must not look at what separates us from Christ; rather, focus on that which we can emulate in order to tap into his power as a teacher and leader. Although many merits and qualities have been listed above that may distance us from being like Christ, there is one resounding merit that we all can aspire to follow. Christ, independent of all other influences and powers, chose to live a perfectly righteous life. Paul testified that Christ, was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Elder Maxwell noted that, because Jesus resisted [sin] perfectly, He understood temptation perfectly: hence, He can help us (Neal A. Maxwell, O how Great the Plan of Our God, Address to CES educators, February 1995). Christ righteousness enabled Him to perform the Atonement. 3 See John Taylor, The Mediation and Atonement of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Salt Lake City, UT: Steven and Wallace, 1950). 4

6 He chose every at every moment of His life to be perfect so he could be a perfect sacrifice for sin (see Bible Dictionary Atonement, Alma 34:11-14). Regardless of the gifts that we do or seemingly don t have, we can choose to be obedient. The best leaders have always begun as the best followers. Christ, the greatest leader of all, chose to obey even unto death (see Philippians 2:8-10). We can choose to be obedient in all seasons of discipleship. And as Elder Maxwell observed, we can help others as we endure successfully the temptations of everyday life. Naturally, perfect obedience in all things is a tall order. It is of ourselves, impossible to live perfectly, for we have, as Paul declared, all sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We must rely on Christ s merit of choosing righteousness when our own will power falls short. Even though continual righteousness is impossible for us, it is never impossible for Him (Phillipians 4:13).We can obey and He will provide the way to be obedient in all things (John 14:15; 1 Nephi 3:7). The blessings that come from obedience in leadership are many and marvelous. We then find that, he that keepeth [God s] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things (D&C 93:28). We receive truth and light- even Christ the Lord (Alma 38:9). In our work, when we are called upon to judge and lead, we will see things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly for the salvation of many souls (Jacob 4:13). We will be able to help others become more at-one with Christ both personally and professionally. Thinking of obedience. A Poem that stirs my soul is Tennyson s Charge of the Light Brigade, a cavalry unit which fought to the death during the Crimean War. 5

7 Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns! he said. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. "Forward, the Light Brigade!" Was there a man dismay'd? Not tho' the soldier knew Someone had blunder'd: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made! All the world wondered. Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred! 4 Though men knew their doom was certain, onward they rode. If any lesson was learned, it would be that honor in obedience is the lifeblood of greatness. It s clear that although we are faced with decisions that are made by imperfect people, like the six hundred, [Ours] is not to reason why. Leaders, role models, and champions were first disciplined in the ranks of obedience. Perhaps a better decision could have been made, but the greatness demonstrated from a thoughtful follower rings louder than words. Early in my career as a Seminary instructor, I was a part of a faculty that had some interesting challenges. Some of the more experienced teachers were upset at new changes that 4 Alfred Lord Tennyson, Poems, ed. Hallam Lord Tennyson and annotated by Alfred Lord Tennyson (London: Macmillan, 1908), II,

8 were being instituted in administrative duties. Instead of peacefully complying or, in worst case, discussing concerns in private, their frustrations were discussed over lunch with the whole faculty excluding the principal. It didn t take long as a member of the faculty to recognize that a serious rift had formed between teachers and leaders because a select few had chosen to complain rather than comply. Contrast that with the another example of unity and obedience my current principal and supervisor, Jaren Dyreng. He openly admits his shortcomings as a principle. He is large in love but sometimes lacking in solutions. He has taught for 15 years as a seminary instructor without any leadership opportunities or assignments simply to teach a full load and be a good example. He never complained and, when asked to adapt to new expectations, he was the last to ever complain about his load. Long before he became my principal, I learned to follow and emulate his character. It has been easy to see why he is now in such a solid leadership role because of the way he followed, not asking questions unless it was an obvious oversight but, rather, he d work and smile and strive to be the best he could. The trick of leadership (and discipleship) is in not expecting perfect policies but committing to contributing then conforming when needed. Much or the work done in life could have been done much better by someone else. Plans and policies could have been more clearly stated or executed. Efficiency could have been higher and many individuals throughout those experiences could and most likely did voice their concerns. However, there is great strength in obedience collaborating with sincere intentions to do good then following the appointed leader when a decision has been reached. 7

9 The Mercy of the Holy Messiah When contemplating Paul s assertion that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), we find solace in the promise we can rely on Christ s mercy. One definition of mercy has been very instructive concerning our relationship with Christ and how we can become more like Him. Mercy can be defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one s power to punish or harm (dictionary.com, accessed 12 March 2013). How are we within God s power to punish? Lehi clearly taught that by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off (2 Nephi 2:5). Though we are Christ taught of his perfect mercy through His encounter with the Woman taken in Adultery (see John 8:1-11) His mercy shown to that women gives greater emphasis on His mercy and love for us. Before Christ stooped to comfort the adulterous woman, before he even stood in the temple, he sat in Gethsemane (John 8:1), possibly contemplating the magnanimous gift he would shortly give humanity. With the eternal perspective of the worth of souls, Christ descends to the temple. It is there He is faced with the pharisaical impasse of the fate of this woman. The encounter that follows and the well known response to the woman s accusers leaves us asking, was anyone justified in cast a stone? Yes! Christ was completely justified! Being perfect in righteousness and slated to perform the atonement for all mankind, Christ had every right to condemn her. But did He? No. He let her go. When all others had left, he being alone with the woman asked the question- not for His understanding, but for her peace-of mind, Where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned me? Nor Did Christ condemn her. The divine pattern demonstrated by Him shows us how meditation on His Atonement while considering the worth of souls can enable us to extend mercy to others, even though they are in our power to harm or condemn. 8

10 Christ-like leadership hinges upon the ability to be merciful. Naturally we fall short, deadlines are missed, instructions misinterpreted (or disregarded altogether), and policies violated. It is in the mindset of the savior that such mercy can be applied to the lives of those that follow us. We must first allow ourselves some mercy to flow from the Savior to us. Simply browbeating ourselves over disgruntled followers or missed deadlines is both doctrinally incorrect and mentally and emotionally exhausting. The Savior atoned for, not only our sins but our shortcomings, both on paper and in the eyes of those we lead. Realizing this mercy is extended to us will also help us to extend mercy to others. But how? Examining Christ s activities of that morning are helpful to see how we can emulate his merciful example. Before Christ was faced with the conflict of deciding how to respond to the pharisaical accusations against this woman, Christ had done something prior. He sat in Gethsemane! He had taken time to reflect perhaps on the worth and needs of those he cared for. He weighed the needs and actions of the woman and found the correct solution. Our efforts to study the atonement with our co-workers, families, classes, and quorums in mind will allow us to better decide how to individually bless and lift those that we lead. A powerful example came from a principal with whom I worked named Bri Theurer. His demeanor was always so kind and pleasant. He was always willing to discuss and counsel over difficult topics without frustration or confrontation. I remember one time I had said something in class that had been misinterpreted by a student, communicated to a now-frustrated parent, and relayed to Brother Theurer. In my mind, I could have imagined him storming into my office and raking me over the coals for having said 9

11 such a thing, blaming me for his having to listen to an irate parent. However, the mercy that Bro Theurer showed me has stuck with until now. I remember Brother Theurer knocking on my office, walking in and smiling at me, asking how my day was. He pulled up a chair close to mine and listened to how I was doing. He then prefaced his feedback saying how well he thought I was doing, commenting specifically on my attitude and report with the students. He then carefully mentioned how sometimes, students will have their parents call in about things that happened in class. He then assured me that it would happen often as it had happened to him and would happen again with me in the future. He shared with me the feedback he had written down from his conversation with the parent. Instead of jumping to conclusions, he calmly asked what had really been said, giving me the benefit of the doubt. After I had shared with him my side of the story, he helped me see how that could have been misconstrued. He then comforted me, assuring me that I was still a good teacher and had a lot of opportunity and good fortune ahead. He thanked me and left. I can still remember the feeling I had of feeling loved and appreciated, coupled with a desire to improve my performance. He was well within his rights to discipline me any way he wanted but instead he helped me see the good in my self then encourage me to be better also. His merciful moment with me helped steer my sights towards positive feedback. I determined from that experience that I would be as candid yet understanding in my evaluation of the performance of others as I could be. From such experiences I learned that mercy in leadership is much more about humility and true charity for those we serve. It is the control rather than the exercise of power that truly changes the life of the individual. Such an attitude is the catalyst to inspire true change in others. 10

12 The Grace of the Holy Messiah In the end, it is Christ s grace that empowers us to grow. He continued from grace to grace (D&C 93:13). Christ s growth came from enabling power (see BD Grace ) afforded him by the Lord (D&C 93:16). He received the enabling power of God s strength to become what God intended for him. This pattern was not exclusive for the Savior but is a pattern available to all those that demonstrate a broken heart and a contrite spirit (2 Nephi 2:7-8). We too can rely on Christ s grace as we extend grace to others. As a leader, we can expect that many of our plans and efforts will fall short. Some needs of families and co-workers we serve will go unaddressed. In worse cases, some may even leave our leadership feeling offended. It is in such moments that we must remember that the Lord s grace will make weak things become strong unto [us] (Ether 12:27). Therein, however lies the secret to true Christ-like leadership. Whatever enabling power lies in our grasp, if it is extended to others, can be magnified and added upon grace for grace (D&C 93:12). Much of the growth we find comes from our ability to enable others in their quest to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him (Moroni 10:32). Seeking to fortify others in their strengths and then continually working with them to shore up their weaknesses will be the catalyst for a Christ-like character. The greatest leaders I know have been those that take time to enable those around them to grow and progress. From something as profound as one-on-one interviews and discussions to something as simple as small acts of serve to lighten my load, the greatest leaders in my life have always sought to lift and help me progress. We grow to become like Christ as we rely on his Grace so we can turn outward to empower others. Like Brad Wilcox eloquently stated, The grace of Christ is sufficient (see 11

13 Ether 12:27; D&C 17:8) sufficient to cover our debt, sufficient to transform us, and sufficient to help us as long as that transformation process takes (Brad Wilcox, His Grace is sufficient, BYU Devotional 12 July, 2011). We become like Christ as we rely on that Grace (2 Nephi 2:8). In turn, we become more like He is, willing to lift, serve, help, and bless. The greatest teachers I have worked with are those that have helped empower those around them. Some teachers and leaders are particularly proficient at their ability to use powerpoint or any other number of programs in preparing lessons. Some are quick with an object lesson or activity that really helps to drive home a principle from the scripture block. Some are quick to finish preparations for a lesson and are willing to help others prepare theirs. All of these varied talents are those that have most richly blessed my life. In turn I have felt compelled, as I have watched their examples, to reciprocate their love with acts of service on my own. The trick to extending grace is to this is to identify those spiritual gifts that the Lord has blessed us with and then turn outward to lift others with those same gifts. We extend grace for grace to those who are within our power to bless. An obvious example from my life has been the mentors that have helped train and guide me in my development as a teacher. My apprenticeship mentor, Chris Beynon, constantly pulled me into his office and asked if I was ready with my lesson then gave me great ideas that ended up blessing so many of my students. Certain times, he would notice my frustrations with classroom management, then invite me to his class and I learned several tricks-of-the-trade that ended up revolutionizing my ability to connect with students. Thanks to his grace that he extended to me, I was in turn able to enable other students to improve as well as support teachers that were in need also. 12

14 Conclusion In conclusion, for us to become at one with Christ, we must first learn of then adopt the Character of Christ. We internalize his teachigns and methods of management and leadership. We seek to obey and pray for the strength of him who was obedient in all things when we find ourselves struggling to commit to expectations. We become less concerned about the end product of our labors but the people that we serve. We recognize that we are imperfect and are in need of mercy then extend that mercy to those we lead. We take time to seek the enabling power of the atonement in our lives then seek to enable those around us so all of us can mutually improve and grow. This process is only possible as we rely the merits, and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah (2 Nephi 2:8). We must seek to emulate Christ s righteous choices, example and pattern for growth if we expect to be like him when he appears (see Moroni 7:48). This conversion process which was first demonstrated by Him can be followed by us. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus (Phillipians 2:5). 13