Doing Things That MatterSample

"LEAD COURAGEOUSLY – PART THREE"

I remember a leader confidently telling me years ago, “If you want to know if you’re a leader, turn around and see if anyone is following.” At first take, that makes some sense. Leaders should have followers, but as I thought about it more something smelled funky about that philosophy. In my mind’s eye I imagined who was behind me as I glanced over my shoulder, but I quickly realized that sometimes that mattered and sometimes it didn’t matter. I wrestled with this because most believe that the best leaders have the most followers, but what I’m discovering is that often the people who have the biggest “position” have the most followers. 

Meaning, whoever holds the more powerful position can easily maintain the larger following regardless of their actual leadership. As a result, people seek greater power and position so they can claim greater leadership, but few are actually stirred about something that matters—because sometimes when we do the things that really matter in this world we find ourselves standing on that limb all by ourselves. At times, great leadership comes at the price of being in a lonely place, but trusting that God has you. 

Many chase leadership in the form of greater esteem, larger titles, and bigger paychecks. But we need leaders who are looking to be gripped by what stirs the heart of God and to faithfully and courageously give themselves to that cause, no matter what it costs. On one occasion the disciples argued about which one of them would be the greatest and Jesus used that moment to revolutionize the idea of greatness and leadership by grabbing the servant towel and washing their feet.

Leadership is not about people following you.

Leadership is about you following God.

It’s not about who is behind you when you turn around, but it’s about who’s ahead of you. Is Jesus the one leading you? Our world needs leaders who understand it’s about following first! We must follow him as we dream wildly, live differently, love recklessly, and lead courageously! Don’t be deceived by the world’s standards of greatness or leadership. Jesus set the example of humility and courage every step of his life all the way to the cross. Thank you, Jesus!