Easy to Follow: Trading Toxic Leadership for the Way of Jesusනියැදිය

Cultivating Generosity as a Christlike Leader

In our church offices, the first thing we see each morning is a bold sign that reads from Micah 6:8: “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” It’s more than a decorative verse—it’s a daily reminder of the kind of leaders we want to be. For me, it has helped define generosity not as a dollar amount, but as a way of life. Generosity is a worldview. It’s a leadership lifestyle where we consistently value others more than we value ourselves.

The best leaders don’t hoard credit, time, or resources. They pour them out.

Generosity says, “This isn’t about me.” And when we embrace that mindset as leaders, we become easier to follow. People want to follow someone who puts their well-being first—someone who is willing to go the extra mile to care for them emotionally, spiritually, and even practically.

No one modeled this better than Jesus.

Jesus had very little in terms of material possessions. Yet his life was a continuous, radical outpouring of generosity. From birth to resurrection, he gave—his attention, his healing, his time, his forgiveness, and ultimately, his life. His leadership wasn’t marked by entitlement or personal gain, but by humble surrender. And that example changed his followers forever.

I’ve seen glimpses of that same spirit in people like Natalie Halbert, a colleague who lives and leads generously. Natalie brings so much to the table—skill, vision, wisdom—but what sets her apart is how she shares all of it with others. She serves, supports, and uplifts everyone around her. She’s not about me, she’s always about we. Her generosity isn’t just admirable—it’s contagious. And that’s what generosity does. It changes the culture.

But generosity isn’t just found in abundance. True generosity shines brightest in scarcity.

Jesus illustrated this through a penniless widow who donated two small coins to the Temple (Luke 21:1–4). She had nothing, yet gave everything. Her generosity wasn’t about quantity—it was about surrender. She gave from a place of full trust in God.

Christian leader, are you living with that kind of surrender? Has the grind of leadership or the weariness of life hardened your heart? Maybe you once gave freely but now feel guarded or worn thin. I get it. I’ve been there too.

But God’s generous Spirit lives in you. And he’s inviting you back—not to burnout, but to benevolence. Not to exhaustion, but to eternal impact. Like Jesus, lead with open hands. Give what you have—your time, your talents, your treasures—not to get something in return, but to reflect the heart of God to those you lead.

Generosity is about giving what you have, with love.

Reflection Questions:

1.Is generosity something you are known for? Why or why not?

2.What holds you back from radical generosity with your time, talent, and treasures?

3.What are two practical ways you could generously encourage your team this week?