Being a Leader

You hear the term leader a lot in our society. Whether it be in the workforce or in sports many of us are told to lead. In athletics, coaches will encourage players to lead by example through their play AND actions on the field of competition. But what does it mean when you are told to be a leader? Does it mean you are in charge? The most talented? Above your co-workers or teammates?

Like all questions in life, the Bible is filled with incredible answers! Jesus not only speaks of leadership, He gives us an example to follow. One of those can be found in John 13:13-17 where Jesus speaks of humility as a leader, how treat people (not just the ones you like or who like you) and the importance of knowing your responsibility for the well-being of others when you are given or assume a role of leadership.

A Christian leader modeling the example of Jesus will have three characteristics:

1. Treat everyone with dignity and respect- from the custodian to the CEO, a Christian leader works to find value in everyone as a unique creation.

2. Lower your expectations, not your standards - the Bible tells us not to be conformed to this world. Jesus reminds us that even though He was in this world, He was not of this world.

3. Be willing to “die” for your cause - as a true leader, you have to be willing to bury your self-serving interests (dying of self). You must be willing to place the needs of others before your own. Just as Christ did for you and me!

All of us can be leaders, regardless of our status and season in life. In our families, jobs, churches and schools we can have a positive impact on the lives around us by sharing what Jesus has done for us and can do for them…

Pastor Aaron