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! 


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