Leading or Going for a Walk

Our culture loves talking about leadership. We have so many resources at our fingertips – books, podcasts, articles, and blogs discussing the next best leadership solutions. I love John Maxwell’s saying, “If you think you’re leading, but no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.” Leaders need people. Without people to lead there’s no leading happening. So, before adopting the label of leader or climbing new ladders of leading, we have to ask ourselves a question: “Do I value people?”

Another way to ask this question is simply, “Do I care for people?” Or, “Am I motivated to lead for the prestige or power I can gain?” Our world contains enough self-interested leaders. Will you value people first, before trying to lead them anywhere?

Think about the people you consider leaders. What made you think of them as a leader? What actions did they do to have influence over you?

God gives us guidance in what great leaders do. They live righteously. Meaning, they do the right things. In other words, they live by a higher standard than the shifting cultural trends. Additionally, great leaders do not compromise morally. Great leaders live a life according to God’s standards and let God’s morals shape every decision. Cracks in a leader’s character will widen to crevices that will grow to craters, then become canyons. Following God’s standards keeps leaders doing the right things consistently. 

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Who have been the best leaders in my life? (e.g., coaches, teachers, parents, pastors, etc.)

2. What qualities make them leaders worth following?

3. Have I ever been frustrated with a leader who did not do the right things morally? Why did he/she fail in this way?

4. Do I find myself compromising morally in my leadership responsibilities by playing favorites or not addressing problems? How so?