Serve to Lead

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a great leader?  It’s not just about demanding respect and barking orders. Being a leader means connecting with your followers and striving to meet their needs before your own.  The reason we can learn to become great leaders is that Jesus is the greatest leader there will ever be.

During His ministry, Jesus accumulated thousands of followers.  He was so successful because He took a different approach to leadership.  

Matthew 20:25-28 (NLT) “But Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.  But among you, it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give life as a ransom for many.’”

Jesus didn’t seek power or wealth.  He came to serve others. He used His authority to help others and to save us all.  When we do seek a leadership role, we shouldn’t gloat about it to make ourselves look greater and others inferior.  I am not saying don’t be proud of what you have accomplished just don’t abuse the power God has given you. Being a leader is more than being influential and attaining authority.  Our goal as leaders should be to help others just as Jesus did.

Leadeship is a process.

How do you become more influential?  Start by serving others around you. Becoming a leader is a process.  Others have to see they can trust you and depend on you when they need you the most.  If you start by being humble and helping them, they will see you have their best intentions at heart.  They will begin to respect you and will look to you for advice. It is so important to build a strong foundation as a leader.  This helps you to be more effective and you know you will have others to support you when you need them.

Being a leader is also very physically and mentally demanding.  It’s not an easy job but those who pursue the role anyway despite the hard work know it’s worth it in the end.  

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”

Leadership Roles

Not everyone is meant to obtain a leadership role in the world but we should all be leaders in doing what’s right.  Those who do become leaders don’t abuse your power or use it for your sole advantage. God gave you that role and influence to do good and to help those around you.   Whether we’re destined to be a leader or not we should all follow Christ and the example He set for us.

Tiffany McInnis