The Best: Part 2Sample

Prayer: Lord, help me to see my gifts and opportunities to influence people toward your great goals!

Leading: Who’s following?

Our culture loves talking about leadership. Books, podcasts, articles, and blogs flood the market promoting the next best leadership solutions. John Maxwell once quipped, “If you think you’re leading, but no one is following, then you are only taking a walk.” This statement provides a great antidote to overly promoting leadership. Leaders need people. Without people to lead there’s no leading happening. So, before adopting the label of leader or climbing new ladders of leading, we have to ask ourselves a penetrating question: “Do I value people?” 

The book of Proverbs describes leaders by using two key terms: “kings” and “rulers.” The refrain echoed throughout is to “care for people.” Kings should promote righteousness and justice for people. Rulers should listen to good counsel so they can lead people well. 

So, the big question we must answer individually is simply, “Do I care for people?” Or, “Am I motivated to lead for the prestige or power I can gain?” Our world contains enough self-interested leaders. Will you value people first, before trying to lead them anywhere?

Questions to Ask Yourself:

1. Who have been the best leaders in my life? (e.g., coaches, teachers, parents, pastors, etc.)
2. What qualities make them leaders worth following?

What’s Next? 

1. Write out the reasons you would like to lead or have greater influence/leadership in a particular area in your life, be it in school, at work, etc.
2. If you were to lead, how would people benefit most from your leadership decisions? How would they be hurt by your decisions?
3. Pray to God to help you value people first.