The Now Generation LeaderSample

Submitting to Leaders Above You

No one likes to be told what to do, especially when you feel like your opinion is the best opinion.

However, submitting to more experienced leaders is a necessary part of being a successful young leader. Although you may feel like your idea is better, remember the leaders above you were put there for a reason. You must respect authority and have an open mind to different ideas.

So, what does submission look like? Does it mean you constantly get run over or taken advantage of? Of course not. Submitting does not always mean saying yes.  Instead, submission is about the relationships you build and the sacrifices you’re willing to make. For example, you might not like the way other leaders handle a project, but instead of fighting it, you respect them and try your best.

There were even times Jesus submitted to God, despite his worries. In Luke chapter 22, Jesus prays to God, asking Him for a way out. The key part of this verse is when Jesus says, “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Although Jesus didn’t understand the circumstances at the time, He desired for God’s will to be done instead of His own.

As a young leader, you should reflect the same desire Jesus did. Remind yourself of the greater plan rather than your personal preferences.

Challenge: Leaders will submit to the leaders above them. Take a moment and think about what the word respect means to you.