Saturday, October 5, 2013

Follow The Leader


“Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ”. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Are you a leader or a follower?

History has proven that if you want to be a great leader, you must first become a great follower. It is just as important to know how to follow (with a passion and commitment) as it is how to lead (with a desire and determination). We are all born leaders in many areas of life, but I am pretty sure that a good leader is one that remembers that without followers he has no one to lead! As long as there have been leaders, there have also been followers, and great leaders could never accomplish what they do without devoted followers.

Followership

Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross.” (Matthew 16:24)

Did you know that most people spend more time following than leading? Followers are defined as someone who supports and is guided by another person; someone who is one in the service of another; someone who imitates another. But following is not all about carrying out any task that is asked of us, it’s about being active individuals who contribute not only through our actions but also through our ideas. It’s about cheerfully supporting who we have chosen to believe in and demonstrating passion to daily live out faith in every area of life through consistent obedience. We have a specific goal while at the same time respecting our leader with a positive attitude and showing integrity. Effective followers recognize the importance of making an active decision to contribute towards the achievement of a goal with enthusiasm and to work with others in the pursuit of the goal. Our attitude for following the leader should always follow along the lines of humility, seeking unity, while giving our leader support and love. Jesus built into every one of us the desire to be led and taken care of; never are we at a point in our lives where we no longer need guidance and help.

Leadership

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 3:15)

When it comes to leadership traits, passion is a vital characteristic to engage the hearts and minds of followers. A fervent leader has the ability to create and share their love and enthusiasm to achieve a specific goal. A leader with passion and sincerity has the ability to motivate their followers in a well-intentioned direction because they are committed to something more important than their own individual glory. Most important; a good leader leads by example, and to lead by example, leaders must follow the model of Christ. Jesus led by being a servant and serving alongside of His followers. To be an effective leader we must follow His example in serving with an impassioned heart, regardless of the time and effort it takes. Our attitude toward the people we lead should be with a humble heart rather than of importance and influence over others. Spiritual leadership can have powerful results when we understand the importance of praying to God for wisdom and relying on Him to give us the strength. Our personal relationship with Him is the most important basis to become an effective leader.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43)




Followers are just as important to leaders as leaders are to followers; the skills that make for good followers also make for good leaders. Whether we are following the leader or leading the followers, we have to do it with an undivided heart toward God, with integrity, passion, and humbleness. When our spirit is one of true humility and love in either role, we are able to bless and to be blessed! 


Linking up with these lovely bloggers this week:




13 comments:

  1. There is so much I like about this. It reminds me of the Centurian - who was a leader and a follower - and because of it, was able to understand authority. I love this line - you lay leadership open: "A fervent leader has the ability to create and share their love and enthusiasm to achieve a specific goal" - it's all about sharing what's in your heart with a passion - and that passion, true passion - has the ability to be wielded for great goodness or great destruction:) What awesome thoughts for this holiday trip I am on!

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    1. Thanks; love your thoughts here! I hope you are having a blessed and amazing trip!

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  2. Dear Denise
    Oh, this is so true. Leadership in Pappa's Kingdom starts with being the least in the eyes and ways of the world. True leaders never lord it over others, but bend low to serve the others in whatever way necessary! Like washing feet or cleaning a bedpan, etc.
    Blessings XX
    Mia

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    1. Yes Mia! Leadership means being a servant and involves humbling yourself and doing the tasks that no one else wants to do. People want to follow a person who serves alongside them and sets an example for them. :) Blessings dear friend!

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  3. An eyeopener for me! Thank you Denise, for this blessing!

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  4. I've never thought about Leading and Following in this way. We really do need many of the same qualities to be either. Great post Denise.

    Did you paint this beautiful journal page at the top? It's awesome.

    ♥Lee Ann

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  5. Good word Denise. I don't think many of us realize the true value in being a follower.

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  6. I love that you discussed both leading and following in the same article. The two go together and one doesn't work well without the other! Thanks for sharing!

    Blessings, Joan

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  7. Lovely post, Denise! In our dance ministry, my husband and I constantly deal with the challenges of leading (him) and following (me), literally on the dance floor as well as figuratively in the marriage relationship and as followers of Christ who pray to lead others to Him!
    May God continue to bless you and your ministry,
    Laurie

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  8. Most my life I have been a follower. But, as I heal within, I am finding I have tendencies to be a leader. Thanks Denise for sharing. Hugs my friend.

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  9. Leading and following are both important and I ask God to show me which He wants me to be. Different ones at different times. Thanks for the good post.

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  10. What a great post! I like the perspective of seeing both the role and importance of a leader and a follower.

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  11. Hi Denise! I liked the insight about passion. Whether a leader or a follower, we all need to have that oomph to do what we are doing with joy.

    Not sure which I do more, but I like leading. But following is like: all the fun, without the headaches! Pretty attractive too.
    Which do you do more??
    Ceil

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