Christian Reflections, Book Review Example

“Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge” provides the reader with a guide that succinctly describes how to be a good leader and how Christians could use these leadership skills to help others and promote our faith. Ultimately, to be able to lead others, we must make strides towards perfecting ourselves so our leadership will be exemplary and compliment the advice we give others. In short, the reading advises us to “Model the Way” by working on ourselves before we work on others, working on ourselves more than we work on others, understand that it is easier to teach what is right than to do what is right, understand that people do what they see, and that the example of others profoundly impacts our lives. If we are able to follow these five rules throughout our practices of leadership, we will lead well. Throughout our learning of leadership, it is important that if we deviate from these principles, we return back to them in order to better both ourselves and others.

Timothy 3:5 says, “but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?”. This demonstrates the concept that we must first perfect ourselves before we can hope to convey this influence onto others. This advice should be followed by all leaders because it advocates responsibility. I would integrate this leadership principle into my personal leadership development by making strides to better myself on a daily basis. To lead others effectively, I must stride to perfect myself, and by doing so, I will be able to perfect others in the process.

In conclusion, good Christian leaders must ensure that they model the way for their followers. Although perfection isn’t easy, we must strive to do the best we can for the benefit of others. To be truly effective leaders, we must make the changes in ourselves that we wish to see in others.

References

Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2004). Christian Reflections on the Leadership Challenge. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. ISBN: 978-0787983376