LEADERSHIP BLOG #12: “Leaders Follow.”
by Morgan Moore
Thus far in your life, you have probably seen your fair share of bad leaders.
They are the types who only care about themselves and their own goals; they manipulate others for their own gain, or they delegate a task only to micromanage the entire process. These types of leaders aren’t only bad at being a leader, but they are also really bad at being a follower.
In order to be a good leader, we must also be good followers. Leaders who are really effective and lead others to greater spiritual maturity are able to put aside their own ambitions and follow the commands of the One he follows. Jesus was the greatest leader who ever walked this earth. And yet, he was the greatest follower: in perfection, he obeyed every command of his Father – even death on a cross. Being a leader does not mean we make the rules and everyone follows us. Rather, leaders are given the unique role to point others towards humble submission to an even greater leader.
In his book Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders explains, “Often truly authoritative leadership falls on someone who years earlier sought to practice the discipline of seeking first the kingdom of God. Then, as that person matures, God confers a leadership role, and the Spirit of God goes to work through him.” Being a good leader begins with being a great follower. Someone who shows a great ability at obeying commands, following through with requests and doing their best to honor their leader shows great leadership qualities. We need more leaders who desire to be great followers in the way they live their lives.
How can you seek first the kingdom of God today?
In what ways does seeking first God’s kingdom prepare your for being a leader?
