Authentically Reflecting Jesus

 By Phyllis Hendry

I don’t know about you, but my heart is racing to think about reflecting Jesus. And at this minute, I am running to the Father just as Jesus did. It’s the only way. We can’t do this on our own. Jesus modeled connection to the Father perfectly. Scripture shares how Jesus connected to the Father in prayer and solitude. Early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus slipped away from the crowds to a quiet place to communicate with the Father.

He depended on the Father for everything.

I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing.  ~ John 5:19

We can connect to our Father moment-to-moment, too, as we acknowledge him in the sunrise, in the gift of our children, or through solitude, prayer, or study of Scripture. When we connect to him, he begins to examine every room of our hearts. He cleans the closets of pride and fear, and dusts off humility and God-confidence. The more we connect to the Father, the more our hearts change. Being an authentic Jesus-like leader will require that we stay close to the original. He reminded us,

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ~John 15:5

My life verse sums up authentic Jesus-like leadership for me:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. ~ Galations 2:20

As we understand what it means to authentically reflect Jesus, we know we can’t meet the criteria perfectly. The good news is that God made the demand and Jesus met it. He came to do what we could never do for ourselves. The “how” to being authentic Jesus-like leaders is surrendering to the Father so that he can live through us — now that’s authentic!

What would my life look like if I lived authentically what I say I believe?

I would be living in the power and presence of God moment-to-moment. I would love without condition. I would be fearless. I would be boldly God-confident. I would give grace. I would never see another person as an interruption. I would be surrendered to the Father in every area of my life, like Jesus. I fall short, so I run back to the Father and remember what he said:

I knew you before you were born.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

I know you by name.

I forgive you.

I gave my life for you.

Nothing can separate you from my love.

I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.

Come to me and I will give you rest.

I want you to have life, life to the full.

I take great delight in you.

I am with you wherever you go.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Oh, Father we run to you today. Help us to reflect you in the moment-to-moment interactions we have with those we influence and in every decision we make this day. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen! 

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Phyllis Hendry has served as the president and chief executive officer of Lead Like Jesus for ten years, an organization that exists to glorify God by inspiring and equipping people to lead like Jesus.

Phyllis Hendry will lead a full day Intensive seminar entitled, Lead Like Jesus: Be an Authentic Leader, at CLA’s national conference, April 30–May 2, 2013, in Anaheim.