Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (Mark 8:34-37 NLT)

I live in a world of leadership. I read books, listen to podcasts, peruse blogs, and receive training on how to be a great leader.

I lead a church, a staff, and a family – all full of leaders. I even have the privilege to lead other pastors, ministers, and leaders, who allow me to have voice into their lives.

I’ve learned many things along the journey, but one principle stands above the rest:
To be a great leader I must be a faithful follower.

Jesus requires absolute loyalty – forsaking my self, shouldering the weight of my own cross, and following Him no matter the cost.

But we leaders have an even greater weight of responsibility placed on our shoulders. We are not merely leading ourselves, we are leading others – and we are accountable to God for how we lead…and Who we follow.

Many leaders follow their own pursuits, and lead others to help them fulfill their personal ambitions.

Godly leaders don’t use people to fulfill their vision; their vision is to build the people.

Godly leaders see the people as belonging to God. We are stewards of God’s most precious treasure – humanity.

Godly leaders die to their agendas.
Godly leaders are patient.
Godly leaders are bold, not arrogant.
Godly leaders lay down their lives and reputations.
Godly leaders are the example of the rule, not the exception to it.

Godly leaders serve.

Jesus seeks out those who will follow Him faithfully; and to those He grants the gift of leadership.

Father,
Today I shift my focus from leading to following.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.