Throughout history we find examples of different types of leaders.
We find examples of leaders who put the good of country and welfare of others before self. We find examples of leaders who sought personal gain at the expense and detriment of others. We find examples of benevolent leaders and tyrannical leaders. Leaders who put their trust in God and leaders who didn’t.
There are multiple arenas of leadership many of us step into.
We might lead in our homes, schools, workplace, and church.
We might take up leadership roles in social, religious, and political areas.
Where we lead is not what matters most. What matters most is the fact that those of us who call ourselves Christ-followers lead in such a way as to seek justice and love and mercy and to walk humbly with the Lord (Micah 6:8).
Jesus says whoever wants to become great must be a servant. Whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all (Mark 10:43-44). Paul reminds us if we lead, we are to do so with diligence (Romans 12:8).
In each of our lives, I imagine we have seen examples of leaders of all types. Some good. Some not so good.
There may have been leaders we chose to emulate, as well as those we knew we didn’t want to model our life after.
There may have been leaders who followed through on their word, as well as those who professed one thing but whose actions displayed something completely different.
There may have been leaders who made us feel safe, as well as those who didn’t.
There may have been leaders who sacrificed their own desires for the good of others, as well as those who used others for their selfish purposes.
In all of this, perhaps we should ask ourselves what kind of leader are we?
Do our lives, words, and actions show we are a leader who follows and imitates Christ?
Does what we value show whom we value?
Does our leadership promote the only true leader, Christ, and not ourselves?
Do we value other Kingdom Builders above our agenda?
Do we put people before program?
To be a truly great leader, one patterned after the example Christ set for each of us, we are called to share our abilities, influence, material resources, and time to benefit others. We are not called to use our role as a leader, whatever the arena, to gain public acclaim or for some self-gratifying reason.
Our greatness as leaders is not measured by man’s measuring stick, but by God’s.
So, what kind of leader are we? What do you think is the mark of a true leader?
I wish you well.
