Life-Changing Leadership

"What an exciting example of real leadership. Not just pointing people in the way you want them to go, but taking them there! It is, in fact, the leadership style of Jesus. In I Peter 2:21, our word for today from the Word of God, He says, "Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps." That word "example" literally refers to the letters that were at the top of a schoolchild's slate in those days; the models that you copied in order to get it right. For us, that's Jesus.

He didn't just point in a direction and say, "Go for it!" His recurring invitation was, "Follow Me." That kind of leadership demands a life that measures up to your words. If you're in a position right now where you're trying to move people in the right direction - whether it's your children, your church, your class, your co-workers, your employees - it's important to remember how to get folks charging ahead, even if it's uphill, even if you're drawing fire. You've got to present to them such a compelling model; such an inspiring "follow me" that it will be contagious.

Ultimately, it's not your position that gives you leadership. It's the way you live your life. It's the consistency of your convictions. It's the way you treat people. It's the kind of person you are more than the kind of position you hold that makes you a leader. If you wish that things and people around you were different in some way, start being that way yourself! A leader's number one responsibility is to set the climate where they are. Ultimately, it won't be preaching that gets those folks moving, or nagging, or criticizing, or demanding. It will be giving them an example to follow. Remember, it's not "Charge!" but "Follow me!" that gives life-changing leadership!"