If

 “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” (John Quincy Adams)

Jesus Christ was not what I would consider as a typical leader of His time, but His actions communicated that He was. Besides His twelve disciples that He mentored, Jesus sought to change everything about a person with His words so they could be the best version of who they need be. 

Today, the truth is that we are all leading someone by the way we live our lives. Others are watching you. They may make important life decisions based on what you taught them (whether you intended to or not). Below are a few important leadership principles from the scriptures:

Proverbs 11:14, The Passion Translation-People lose their way without wise leadership, but a nation succeeds and stands in victory when it has many good counselors to guide it. The right kind of leader is wise in the individuals they get counsel from.  They know they are only as good as those who help guide them.

 

Proverbs 25:28, The Passion Translation-If you live without restraint and are unable to control your temper, you’re as helpless as a city with broken-down defenses, open to attack. The right kind of leader controls their temper.

 

Matthew 20:25-26, Living Bible-²⁵ But Jesus called them together and said, “Among the heathen, kings are tyrants and each minor official lords it over those beneath him. ²⁶ But among you it is quite different. Anyone wanting to be a leader among you must be your servant. The right kind of leader helps others consistently.

 

1 Timothy 4:12, International Children’s Bible-You are young, but do not let anyone treat you as if you were not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them with your words, with the way you live, with your love, with your faith, and with your pure life. The right kind of leader shows genuine love to others (when it is needed most).

Hebrews 13:7, The Passion Translation- Don’t forget the example of your spiritual leaders who have spoken God’s messages to you, take a close look at how their lives ended, and then follow their walk of faith. The right kind of leader has a life that is an example, which can be imitated by others.

 

James 1:5, The Voice- If you don’t have all the wisdom needed for this journey, then all you have to do is ask God for it; and God will grant all that you need. He gives lavishly and never scolds you for asking. The right kind of leader gets their wisdom from God.

 

Rosalynn Carter said: “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” Who needs the kind of leadership (only you) can offer? What are you doing to create positive change? Someone will be better or worse because of you. Only you can decide which it will be.[i]

 

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[i] This topic was suggested by friend and blog member, Tim Raschke.