Who are you leading people to?

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the apostle Paul gives one of the clearest explanations of what discipleship is: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” If we want to lead people closer to Jesus, we have to be following him closely ourselves.

Healthy group leaders are the key to healthy groups. Because at the end of the day, good leaders are first good disciples. 

This was the problem Jeremiah was trying to correct in his day. Instead of guiding people toward God, Judah’s leaders had stopped seeking the Lord and were leading people based on the popular advice of the day. 

As a prophet, Jeremiah spoke for the Lord when he warned Judah’s leaders, “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them. Their ways are futile and foolish.” (Jeremiah 10:1-3, NLT). 

When we stop following Jesus’ example, we will inevitably lead others away from Him.

We cannot expect others to follow Jesus when we’re following worldly advice. There is nothing wrong with learning from successful leaders in other industries. But our greatest insights into how to lead our groups will always come from the Lord. 

“No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power...Among all the wise leaders of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you” (Jeremiah 10:6-7). 

As group leaders, the best thing we can do is submit to the Lord and put our trust in Him as we lead, serve, and care for our people. God knows what your group needs and how to love them well. Why wouldn’t we seek His guidance above all others? 

Reflect:

• What’s one way you can submit your leadership to the Lord? 
• How’s your time with Jesus? What, if anything, needs to change to ensure you are leading people to Jesus not away from Him?
• What kind of disciples are you making? Spend some time today asking the Lord to show you how to love your group members well and encourage their relationships with Him.