Who are you leading?

Recently I have been researching leadership and what it means to be a Christian leader. I always hear this person or that person is such a great leader. I thought, how did that person become this "great leader?" Then I hear others say, "well, I am not a leader; I am a follower, just tell me what to do, and I can do it."

I want to challenge you to think of yourself as a leader. Someone is watching and following you. You may not know it, but it is true. Can you remember a time when you learned from someone, and because of the way they did something, you, in return, did it too? For example, I remember a little boy wearing an undershirt under all his shirts, including a t-shirt, because an older boy in school always did. The older boy had no way of knowing what a difference he had made in the young boy's life. The young boy felt cool and a part of something bigger than himself. I know this is a silly example, but every day, people watch us as Christians to see how we lead. Are we leading like Christ with compassion and love? Does what we believe manifest itself through our actions? Every great man and woman had a leader in their life that was behind the scene. Just because these people were not out front and getting recognition for their leadership skills does not mean they were not leaders.

As Christians, we must live our faith so others can see Christ in us. It takes more than just saying we are Christian. We should put our feet and hands to our actions. Every Christian should have a servant's heart. When we put action to our faith, we lead others. Colossians 3:16 states, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And in whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

In this passage, we see that our lives should be led by Christ, and through Jesus, others will be taught the truth. Jesus is our best example of a leader. Jesus led with compassion, truth, and humility, as we should.

1 Peter 4:7-11 NIV

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. You should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

So the question remains, Who are you leading, and who are you leading them to?