Wisdom is the correct use of knowledge. When we use our minds to discern or judge something properly, we are considered wise. As Christians, Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom.
“Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” ~Colossians 2:3 NASB
“Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” ~1 Corinthians 1:24c AMP
“But is from Him that you have life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin.].” ~ 1 Corinthians 1:30 AMPC
In The Leadership Wisdom of Jesus: Practical Lessons for Today, Charles Manz dedicates his book “to all brave persons who have taken up the quest for a wiser and more compassionate form of leadership that seeks to unleash the inner leadership and value of each person.”
Manz emphasizes of leading oneself before trying to lead others, applying the Golden Rule, and servant leadership.
Self-Leadership
In leading oneself, Manz illustrates that we must be “alive, conscious, and breathing before we start trying to revive others through CPR. Self-leadership is the breath, and without it, the leader is in need of some serious leadership CPR. To be an effective leader for others, first, learn to lead yourself.”
“Careful self-examination and a sincere willingness to seek ways of improving ourselves provide the foundation for effective leadership.” ~Charles Manz
The Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is a moral principle that demonstrates that we need to treat others the way we want to be treated ourselves. Manz makes a point that the Golden Rule is a priceless guide for leaders.
The Golden Rule is based on two scriptures in the Bible though its principle of compassion, kindness, respect, and love are reflected throughout Jesus’ ministry here on earth.
“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” ~Luke 6:31 NASB
“So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets.” ~Matthew 7:12 AMP
Servant Leadership
Jesus defines greatness and success in terms of service.
“Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man [Jesus] did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” ~Mark 10:43-45 NASB
Jesus accentuates that serving others models service that can be emulated. We see this as parents. We model service before our children when we help an elderly neighbor with their heavy trash can, or bake a meal for a family with a new baby, or do community outreach with our local food bank.
With the rampant entitlement we see in the world today, I appreciate Manz’s warning that service is done “in a way that is beneficial to others for the long term. We don’t want to create weakness and overdependence in others by catering to them in the short run in a way that is potentially harmful to their long-term growth and development.”
I appreciate how Manz summarizes his book for us to be “more forgiving than judging, serving than being served, empowering than controlling, honoring than being honored, appreciating than criticizing, loving than hating, and believing in what’s possible than declaring what’s impossible.”
My greatest takeaway was his humility in serving others – in this, Charles Manz echoed that the leadership wisdom of Jesus is service.
Recommendations
Incarnate Leadership – A Remarkable and Surprising Life – Strength with Dignity
The Art of Encouragement – Strength with Dignity
References
Amplified Bible (AMP) Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
Manz, Charles C. Leadership Wisdom of Jesus: Practical Lessons for Today (Third Edition). eBook edition. Published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2011.
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. Retrieved July 19, 2023, from Websters Dictionary 1828 – Webster’s Dictionary 1828 – Wisdom
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid Member #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
22 thoughts on “Wisdom Harnessed with a Unique Perspective”
Thank you, Lisa, for the great words on wisdom here today! I think this quote from Manz is the perfect definition of true Christ-like leadership, “more forgiving than judging, serving than being served, empowering than controlling, honoring than being honored, appreciating than criticizing, loving than hating, and believing in what’s possible than declaring what’s impossible.”
Manz’s quote summarizes Christ-like leadership so well, Donna!
Oh to be considered wise. I pray daily for wisdom…but feel so as if I fail woefully short every day. Thank you for a practical look at wisdom and the encouragement to continue seeking His wisdom. Thank you for stopping by my blog. Your kind words came at just the right time on a day not too long ago. You could not have known but God used your comment to direct me and encourage me. I hope you are having a nice weekend!!
I think one of the most freeing things for me to discover, Jennifer, was that Jesus is Wisdom. As we draw close to Him (Jesus/Wisdom), He imparts wisdom to us just because it is Who He is. Yes, I too feel like I fall short so many times, but I’m so thankful, I can go to Him, then pick up and try again. He is a God of second chances – again and again. I’m so glad you were encouraged Jennifer, and I pray that God continues to encourage and guide you in your writing.
Wow what inspiring and encouraging quotes. Great message today.
Visiting today from G&T
(From my new website)
Congratulations on your new website, Paula, I’m looking forward to seeing it.
I sensed this too in the quotes you shared: “My greatest takeaway was his humility in serving others – in this, Charles Manz echoed that the leadership wisdom of Jesus is service.” Oh, how we need more people leading with humility! Thanks for sharing this, Lisa!
It is rare to hear of someone in academia and intellectual, walking in intentional relationship with faculty and students, Lisa, and then to walk in humility while being intentional…it seems like Charles Manz is a rare gem!
This sounds like a great book with lots of helpful advice. Humility and an attitude of service make a huge difference to our leadership.
It was an encouraging book, Lesley, and you are right, humility and an attitude of service make a significant difference in our leadership.
Lisa this sounds like a wonderful book that will help me so much in the work that I do. Thank you! Just think how wonderful it would be if all our leaders were this way
I think you will be blessed by reading his book, Deborah, he is such a humble leader.
Lisa, humility is key to so many aspects of the Christian life, and perhaps, most importantly in a leader. This book sounds very insightful!
I enjoyed the book, Jeanne, and I appreciate the authors unique perspective on leadership among his peers and among the next generation.
Thank you for the review! I love this quote – what a fabulous way to live life: ““more forgiving than judging, serving than being served, empowering than controlling, honoring than being honored, appreciating than criticizing, loving than hating, and believing in what’s possible than declaring what’s impossible.”
It is a fabulous quote, Maryleigh, may the Lord empower us to live that way!
I appreciated the way you boiled down the message with your Scrabble tiles. Now to plow the truth into my life, into my heart…
That’s the truth, Michele!
Loved this review and it sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for sharing about it. What a fun way to share quotes with using the Scrabble tiles 🙂
It was a great book, Joanne!
Thank you so much for this beautiful expression of the wisdom of God. This is a great article and I really enjoyed reading it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Phillip! May the Lord bless you!