Sunday, August 21, 2011

Christlikeness or Clone?

(Katie) Last night, James and I hosted apartment tours in which the incoming freshman in Fischer come into our home to meet us. The evening is a bit intimidating in that 400 students analyze you and your home. There are hundreds of eyes watching you, which, for an introvert, is quite uncomfortable. Trying to focus on my simple introduction is challenging when I am easily distracted analyzing people's non-verbals. It is also humbling when students don't laugh at your jokes, not to mention awkward (still have a lot to learn from James in this area). At the end of each tour, there are always male students that flock to James- high-fives all around, ready to be his best friend. Duh, my husband is amazing. Female students, on the other hand, usually comment on the decor of our house, similarities in taste, and even though my jokes flopped, express interest in getting to know me.

At the end of the night, I noticed the temptation towards an inflated self-esteem from internalizing the students' flattering comments. As my mind was replaying the various words of encouragement, I suddenly heard the statement, BE CAREFUL, rise up in my Spirit. As a leader, I must constantly guard against the temptation to internalize the praise and affirmation of those following me. Whether or not you are in an official leadership role, you also possess influence over those around you and most likely have someone following you.

As I seek to steward my leadership for the Kingdom, I must continually ask the question, are the people following me looking more like Jesus or Katie-clones? We've all seen the extreme example of followers whose speech, blogs, pictures, and lifestyle mimic their leader. Unfortunately, their respect and honor for the leader has become distorted. They have lost their own voice and compromised living out the unique manifested presence of Jesus in them. I am weary of any Christian leader that entertains an entourage of clones rather than people becoming more Christ-like.

In my own life, I have the upmost respect for my mentor Vivian. I am drawn to and inspired by Christ-in-her. But, she has always encouraged me to be Katie. She celebrates and honors my unique God-given design.

As a leader, I must be secure enough in my identity in Christ to challenge any follower that would be tempted to become me or put me on a pedestal. I pray that my leadership would point people towards God and that I would bring them into an encounter Christ-in-them.

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