Becoming More Like Christ: The Journey of Conformity in Leadership

Becoming More Like Christ: The Journey of Conformity in Leadership

In a world where leadership is often measured by power, influence, and success, the Christian perspective offers a radically different paradigm: conformity to the image of Christ. God's eternal purpose, as outlined in Scripture, is for His people to become more like Jesus. Romans 8:29 declares, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." This journey of Christlikeness isn't reserved for monks or missionaries—it's essential for leaders in every sphere, from boardrooms to churches to families. By aligning daily decisions and habits with this divine goal, leaders can experience personal transformation that not only shapes their character but also inspires those they lead.

The Biblical Foundation of Christlikeness in Leadership

At the heart of Christian leadership is the call to emulate Jesus, who modeled perfect conformity to the Father's will. Philippians 2:5-8 urges believers: "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" This passage highlights humility, servanthood, and obedience as key attributes of Christlike leadership.

Jesus' life provides vivid examples of these qualities in action. Consider His approach to decision-making: In the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39), Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." Here, He demonstrated submission to God's purpose over personal comfort—a habit leaders can adopt when facing tough choices. Another instance is the washing of the disciples' feet in John 13:3-5, where Jesus, knowing His divine authority, chose to serve humbly: "Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet." This act redefined leadership as service, challenging modern leaders to prioritize others' needs in their daily routines.

Through these examples, we see that Christlikeness involves ongoing transformation. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 states, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Leaders who seek this conformity will find their habits—prayer, compassion, integrity—reshaped to reflect Jesus.

A True Story of Transformation: Corrie ten Boom

The power of Christlikeness in leadership is vividly illustrated in the life of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch watchmaker who became a beacon of faith during World War II. Born in 1892 into a devout Christian family, Corrie lived a quiet life until the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in 1940. Motivated by her faith, she and her family transformed their home into a hiding place for Jews fleeing persecution, risking everything to embody Christ's command to love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:39).

Their secret operation was eventually discovered, leading to the arrest of Corrie, her father, and her sister Betsie. Imprisoned in a concentration camp, they endured unimaginable horrors—starvation, brutality, and the deaths of loved ones. Yet, amid the darkness, Corrie clung to Scripture, organizing secret Bible studies and sharing messages of hope. After her release due to a clerical error, she dedicated her life to evangelism, traveling the world to preach forgiveness. In a profound moment of Christlike transformation, Corrie forgave a former Nazi guard who approached her after a speech, extending grace as Jesus did on the cross (Luke 23:34: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing").

Through reliance on Jesus, Corrie's leadership evolved from quiet obedience to global witness, proving that conformity to Christ equips leaders to lead with unshakeable hope and compassion, even in crisis.

Action Steps to Grow as a Christlike Leader

Becoming more like Christ is not a passive process; it requires intentional habits and decisions. Here are practical steps leaders can take to align with God's purpose:

1. Cultivate Daily Prayer and Scripture Study: Start each day like Jesus, who "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). Set aside time to seek God's guidance in decisions, using verses like Ephesians 5:1-2 ("Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us") to meditate on Christlikeness.

2. Practice Servant Leadership: Identify opportunities to serve those you lead, such as mentoring a team member or volunteering in your community. Reflect on Jesus' words in Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

3. Seek Accountability and Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers for encouragement, as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). Join a small group or find a mentor to discuss how your habits align with Christ's example.

4. Embrace Humility in Challenges: When facing setbacks, choose obedience over self-reliance. Journal instances where you've humbled yourself, drawing from 1 Peter 5:6: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

5. Extend Grace and Forgiveness: Like Corrie ten Boom, practice forgiving others promptly, fostering a leadership style rooted in Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

By integrating these steps, leaders can foster personal growth and model Christ to others.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who showed us the perfect path of leadership through humility, service, and obedience. Help us, as leaders, to conform our hearts, decisions, and habits to His image. Grant us the strength to follow His examples, the wisdom to apply Your Word daily, and the grace to forgive as we have been forgiven. May our lives reflect Your eternal purpose, transforming us and those we lead for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.