May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be multiplied unto you all. I thank my God for the grace He has made sufficient and available; and for the privilege given to me by God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to write to you another piece. Please stay blessed and inspired as you read this piece precept upon precept, lines upon lines in Jesus name. Amen.

The subject under discuss is “The 8 Leadership Mindsets that Confer Greatness: Discovering How to Command Influence in your Generation”. There are two key words that I would like us to briefly look at, they are: greatness and influence. Greatness and influence are words that cannot be overemphasized as far as the matter of destiny fulfillment and leadership is concerned. While greatness talks about an unusual largeness in size or extent or number, influence is the ability to cause change or have effect on a thing, a people or a person. But these words are never possible or experienced by a leader outside Jesus and certain phenomenon that would be subsequently discussed in this piece.

I am bold by the Spirit to say that you command true influence when you have learnt of Jesus, not the doctrines of men, not the philosophies of men; influence is not by titles; you command true influence by learning at the feet of Jesus by the help of the Holy Spirit. He is the personality that helps the believer to learn from Jesus and also live like Jesus.

The Bible says but you have an anointing from the Holy one, and you know all things. How do you know these things? The Bible says the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things; so you know all things because the anointing teaches you concerning all things; it says and is true and not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. This anointing is the Holy Spirit, the one Jesus spoke about saying; when He comes, He will guild you into all truth; He will take of what is mine and declare unto you. At this point I like you to be sensitive to what the Holy Spirit is saying.

Jesus said Martha, Martha you are encumbered with many things, Mary has chosen the right path, and it will never be taken away from her. I like us to note something very profound here; the right path is sitting at the feet of Jesus to learn. But who is Jesus? And what qualifies Him to be our great teacher? He is the son of God, the only begotten of the Father, the express image of the invisible God.

In Genesis 1:26 the Bible says, “Then God said; let us make man in our image and according to our likeness, let them have dominion”. The remaining part of that verse talks about the extent and the scope of man’s dominion to which it includes everything and nothing left. In that verse God spoke about living creatures and spoke about territories.  He said, “Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” And if we think it was a lie or this was just a mere story or fictious imagination or an attempt to thrill you, these truths are scattered across the pages of the Scripture. The Bible says the heavens even the highest of the heavens belong to God and the earth He has given to the sons of men. It says in another place; you have made Him a little lower than the angels; you have crowned Him with glory and honor and set Him over the work of your hands. You have put all things in subjection under His feet. What are the things put in subjection under His feet? Ephesians 1:21 says far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. Psalm 18:9 says, “He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet”.

So, Jesus came to the earth and began to mirror or reflect these dimensions of dominion and authority to us as to how man who is made in the image and likeness of God, ought to function on the face of the earth. He began to walk in the consciousness of I am the light of the world, and I shine in the darkness because the Lord is the light of my life, in His light I see light. The consciousness of I am a city set upon the hill that cannot be hidden. I am the salt of the earth; I diffuse the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ in every place, I am the door, I am the good shepherd, I am the bread of life, I am the resurrection and life, I am the way, truth and the life, I am the true vine.

The Bible says everywhere He went, He was doing good. What was the good? He preached the gospel to the poor; He healed the sick and the brokenhearted and delivered those who are oppressed of the devil. Proclaiming liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind. And the reaction of people having seen these signs gave praise to God for giving such power to men. They concluded in a statement best described in John 1:34 as testified by John “this is the son of God”. The Bible says John testified of Him as saying this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. At a point the disciples of Jesus said, what manner of man is this? Having rebuked the wind. The Bible described Him as the word that became flesh. It went further to describe Him as the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth. And this was visible and palpable as the people beheld His glory. This is true dominion and influence.

When He was 12 years old, they found Him after three days of search in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him marveled; they were astonished at His answers. The Bible says we do not speak the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the age for our glory. The Bible says these things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

These where only a few of the things that necessitated the influence Jesus had on the people of His generation. So, Jesus became the perfect model and the right person we ought to learn from. If anyone desires to have dominion or that kind of influence, must as a matter of necessity emulate, model or pattern his or her life after Jesus. This is the reason why I said at the beginning that true influence, dominion or greatness is never possible outside of Jesus. He said the works I that I do; you will do, and greater works than these you will do because I go to the Father. So, our influence is not in doubt, it is only a function of how close we follow Jesus, how yielded we are to His teaching anointing and how well we are willing to be molded accorded to His form.

So, having laid this background, I would like to give context to this piece, and I will basically focus on the believe systems Jesus had and what He taught His disciples that ultimately comminated into who they became, and why they do what they do.

So, commanding influence is a function of wisdom and understanding accumulated from the teachings of Jesus over time. And these began to bear fruits and gave an expression of rivers made possible by the Spirit of Christ flowing out of their belly. So, this article is basically a highlight of certain things I learnt from Jesus and these truths can also give you an understanding that will ultimately shape who you are and who you will eventually become in terms of becoming like Jesus? So, I am pleased to share with you the few things Jesus taught and still teaching me on the journey towards greatness.

• Number One: Jesus made me understand that you become first by becoming the last.

What does this mean? You start to become the first when you are willing to start as the last. Let me say this again, when you don’t put yourself first, you have succeeded in putting yourself first. Yes! Thank you Holy Spirit; Selflessness is the key word. Everybody desires greatness, but you don’t become great automatically, you become great when you are great in your mind, in ideas and you serve with your hands.  This statement best explains the ‘God servant consciousness’ and a spiritual-wisdom-route or navigation path that bestows greatness. Jesus said when you come to an occasion, take the back seat, don’t go the high table only for you to be taken to the back seat. In Matthew 20:25-27 says Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whosoever desires to become great among you, let Him be your servant. And whosoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. Did you see that? How many people are willing to bend that low?  

Then in verse 28 He did mirror an example to them saying; “Just as the son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many”. It takes one to have the mind of Christ for service to be a possibility. See what the Bible says in Matthew 21 verse 5, it says “tell the daughters of Zion, behold your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey. What is the meaning of lowly? It talks about inferior, or humble, or modest, or small beginnings. Did you see where He was born? In a manger, because there was no inn.

The Bible says Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus, we should have the mind of Christ Jesus who being in the form of God did not consider it robbery to be equal with God but made Himself of no reputation taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men. I like you to note that word ‘reputation’. It says He made Himself of no reputation. What is the meaning of reputation? Reputation means the general estimation that the public has for a person, so when the Bible says He had no form nor comeliness and when they look at Him there was nothing to be desired in Him; It was because of the form He took. The form of no reputation and it takes humility to take such a form, and it takes the mind of Christ to achieve that. That verse continues by saying “and being found in the appearance of as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient.” Jesus didn’t come with His own terms and conditions. If Jesus had considered His reputation, He would not have gone to the cross. Another definition I found to be very profound says it is the state of being held in high esteem and honor.

So, Jesus thought me that if you will be held in high esteem or honor you must be willing to make yourself of no reputation for the sake of the kingdom, as you honor God and serve for the sake of prospering His kingdom, you are also honored and rewarded. This is how to become the first. Jesus made Himself of no reputation by despising the shame and enduring the cross.

• Number Two: Jesus made me understand that you influence a community, a nation, a region by influencing a person.

The Bible says in John 4:39, “and many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified. The people said to the woman in verse 42 now we believe, not only because of what you said for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ the savior of the world. So, because of the testimony of the woman, the entire community came to Jesus.

When Jesus wanted to reach out to the Samaritans, He encountered the Samaritan woman. Same scenario at the beautiful gate. Bible says John the Baptist was testifying about Jesus and the whole region came to him. This is what I call the power of one.

When you want to make a people look or become like Jesus, you impact them, you teach them, you influence them. When you want a community, a church to look like you, you teach them. This is what discipleship, molding and equipping is all about. The Bible says when they look at the disciples having been untrained and unlearned, they concluded they had been with Jesus. When they were with Jesus, He was influencing them. As many that come to you, you must influence, you must impact, you must teach them. Don’t cast them away.

You also influence a person or a people by depositing your Spirit upon that person or on those people. This is another profound truth about replicating your kind. A portion of Moses spirit was taken and distributed upon seventy elders. So, seventy elders took the form of Moses, Jesus impacted His Spirit upon His disciples. And 120 persons carried the form of Jesus, Elijah transferred his spirit to Elisha and a double portion of His Spirit was on Elisha.

The Bible says Elisha rolled the mantle he picked from Elijah and struck the Jordan, and the sons of the prophet looked at Him and said indeed the spirit of Elijah thot rest on Elisha.

• Number Three: Jesus thought me the power of waiting, Meekness, Silence and quietness.

The Bible says those that wait on the Lord, they shall renew their strength. It is difficult to make genuine exploit without first being a prayer or a waiter on the Lord. Meekness, silence and quietness are only an offshoot of a prayer life.

The Scriptures says; Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. People don’t just suddenly become meek, meekness begins from the secret place, learning of Jesus, being soaked with the word, being filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit.  

To this end the Bible admonished us that the words that should proceed from us must be seasoned with grace, they should be words that edify. You must have the consciousness or understanding that where the word of a king is there is power. Your speaking or utterances should be about making decrees that will shape the earth and prosper the kingdom. Jesus said I will give you a mouth and a wisdom which your adversary can neither resist nor gainsay. Your utterance must be an echo of what has been spoken in Zion.

Jesus was not a frivolous talker. Although the Bible says He will not raise His voice nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. He will only declare on the roof tops what has been revealed to Him in the secret place.

Your ability to influence a people and a generation is in your capacity to discern and know when to speak and when to be quiet.  The Bible says when you are before the king, you must be silent. Draw near to hear rather than to speak.

Do you know that there is strength in quietness and silence.? It is not everything you reply and not everyone you talk back at. When Jesus was before Pilate, He was silent and if He had to speak it was for a specific reason or to drive home a point.

• Number Four: Jesus made me understand the advantage of having men around you or rather having people.

Over time due to our personality and by the nature of our calling, we tend distance ourselves from people, or prefer to be alone, in our space and doing our own thing all by ourselves. But for the sake of those God has called us to, we would have to interact with them. This places a leadership responsibility on us to become a people person. So it is good to extend hand of fellowship to others. This is what relationship is about. When you are surrounded by good men you are a king indeed.

God had confirmed His word before to Apostle Paul in a certain place where He told Him not to be afraid of going there because He has His people there. Acts 18:10 “For I am with you and no one will lay hand on you”. The Bible says daily men were added to the camp of David until his host became like the host of God. So, David was not only mighty, his men were also mighty. So, they could fight, go on missions and rampage and they will be successful. For David the second factor aside the presence of God that was with him was because God surrounded him with men of valor and of substance.

Jesus called His disciples to be with Him so that He could also pour Himself into them and so that they could spread the vision, the good news and the agenda He has brought to the earth. It wouldn’t have been possible without men that are devoted and committed to Him. And the flip side of it is that if He hadn’t called the disciples how will the wisdom, glory, honor, power, graces, blessings upon Him rub-off on them? The Bible says woe to Him who is alone. One the first thing God found not to be good in the Scripture is “it is not good for the man to be alone”. Then He said I will make Him a helper. A man with a helper is a man that is not alone.

• Number Five: Jesus made me understand that you don’t give with your hand, you give from your heart.

In other words, giving is not from abundance, but from the proclivity of the heart. When you can give in the little you can give when you have much.

Jesus looked at people who were giving offerings, the rich also but spotted a certain poor widow who had nothing but gave her all. (two mites) And He used that scenario to teach His disciples a vital lesson. And He said truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all, for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.

A valuable lesson indeed. Give even when it is not convenient. The Bible says for God loves a cheerful giver. Give even when nobody is seeing you or clapping for you. For God that sees in the secret will reward you in the open. A cheerful giver gives not grumbling, nor expecting to get something in return, a cheerful giver gives and knows God will reward accordingly. Apostle Paul said my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 6 verse 9 says; let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This is an instruction for someone don’t give up doing good, there is something called due time. When it comes, He will surely honor you.

• Number Six: Jesus made me understand the power of forgiveness.

The power of forgiveness is the exemplification of love. Jesus said love your enemies and pray for them. He said to me, the greatest power any man can ever possess is the power to forgive. Yes! It takes power to forgive. That power is what works in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure. See what He said to His disciples, if you forgive the sin of any it is forgiven, if you retain it, it is retained. Such authority that was given to man. Jesus said to the pharisees which is easier to say or do? Take your mat, rise up and walk or your sins have been forgiven. It means that it is easier to perform miracles than to forgive.  

When Jesus was on the cross, He exemplified this; He said Father forgive them for they do not know what they do. He didn’t just forgive them, He prayed for them, He interceded for them. Jesus simply showed us that He is the fulfillment of the law an embodiment of love. The law said revenge, retaliate an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth and Jesus said no if your neighbor offends you, no matter how often or how serious, He said forgive. This is the dichotomy between religion and the Christ-like-life. See what Jospeh said to His brothers in Genesis 45:4-11

“And Joseph said to his brothers, "Please come near to me." So, they came near. Then he said: "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 - But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 - For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 - And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 - So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. 9 - "Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, "Thus says your son Joseph: "God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry.10 - You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children's children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have.11 -There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine."

Did we see that? It was not a time to deal with them in such cruel manner, it was a time to understand the purpose of God and allow the Spirit of God to do a perfect work in our heart.

• Number Seven: Jesus made me understand that strength is not only drawn from food, but also a function of being found living a purpose driven life, doing the will of God and total dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of grace.  

It is good to eat, physical strength can be drawn from food. As a matter of fact, Elijah ate and went in the strength of that food for forty days. It is good to fast too.  Jesus also fasted for forty days and forty nights. Strength is also drawn from this exercise. But do you know that strength is also drawn from being found living a purpose driven life, doing the will of God and total dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit. Most times when I am given a spiritual task to accomplish and the burden seems to be heavy, the Lord will just whisper to me; this is the reason why you are born, this is the reason Jesus has speared your life why He gave you a second chance. And a supernatural strength infuses me. The Bible says angels strengthened Jesus when He said nevertheless not my will but yours be done. The Bible says it for this purpose the son of man was manifested, that He may destroy the works of the devil. If only you can find the reason why you were born into the kingdom, you will never imagine the extent to which you command influence. There is a special strength or grace and enablement that comes with purposeful living.  The Bible says all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose.

The disciples of Jesus asked; did someone give him food while we were away? Why did they ask this question? They noticed he was hungry and tired before they went to the city to get food, how comes He looks energized now that we have returned? No one gave Him food; He simply encountered a Samaritan woman. Jesus said my meat is to do the will of the one who sent me while it is day for the night comes when no man can work.  

• Number Eight: Jesus made me realize that as a witness, a missionary, an emissary or a kingdom envoy you must understand the details of the assignment.

Jesus said; I was not sent to those who are “saved” I was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. When He was sending His disciples out, He also gave them that details and specifications. He said I send you as sheep among wolves, carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals and greet no one along the road. But whatever house you enter first say peace to this house. And the instructions went on and on (Luke 10:2-9) the Bible says in verse 17, the disciples returned with joy saying Lord, even the demons are subject us in your name. That is influence, dominion, and greatness. In another place He said be as wise as a serpent and as gentle as a dove. In Matthew 28 verse 19 and 20, He said go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, the son of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. And lo I am with you always.

It is important we understand the specifications, the instructions; because are influence, dominion and greatness depend on it. This is what makes you to be known. The demon said to the sons of Skiver; Jesus we know, Paul, we know, who are you? Understanding the details of the assignment is ultimately the key.

Thanks for the gift of your time, Apeh Francis Abah!
Feel free to share your thoughts or testimony in the comment box below. I promise to respond as soon as possible!