Everyone Is Leading SomeoneSample

The Bible: First Checkpoint on a Leader’s Path

Those whom we lead trust us to take them in the direction God would have us go—and at times their lives and their livelihood depend upon it. A great place to start is to ask ourselves, “Is there anything in God’s Word that promotes or prevents this next step?”

The Bible will either sand me or crush me. The choice is mine. Choosing humility is far better than being humbled. As we lead others toward God, our thoughts and ways need to be refined. Our pride in our plans must be sanded away. If we do not submit to this process and allow God to bring us lower in our hearts, we have closed our eyes to the weight of our responsibility. 

I need to remain under the authority of God’s Word. The higher the places of leadership, the more we need to walk in humility. Let God’s Word purify your heart and your motives as you guide others. He will never call you to do anything contrary to the principles in His Word. Instead, He will use His Word to guide you when your own thoughts begin to deceive and stray.

• When I am aggravated and want to force my way on others, I remember that “man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”
• When my kids push the boundaries as soon as I set them in place, I hear, “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
• When I’m leading, but followers are complaining, God’s Word reminds me that “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”. Then I listen and calmly discuss, laying aside the need to defend myself and strike back.
• When I’m tempted to rehearse why I’m right, and what I’m going to say the next time I am challenged, I hear, “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” I trust the Lord and forgive them.
• When I think, It’s up to me to get this done, I am reminded: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” My efforts are a waste if they are not performed in His strength.

Thankfully, God’s words shape ours and keep us from making matters worse when we are frustrated. Be reminded that those who know God’s Word the best hear God’s voice the most.