OCTOBER 04: “LEADING BY EXAMPLE”

We are called to lead by example (do as I do). Some lead by explanation only (do as I say) and some lead by exemption (you do what I say, I don’t have to). God has called us to lead by example. Jesus demonstrated leading by example all through His life and ministry. His life was lived before the eyes of the disciples through various seasons of His ministry. Each moment, Jesus modeled what it meant to be a leader; healing the sick, confronting powers that be, commanding the storm, raising the dead, but also doing the job meant for slaves in John 13 as we have read today. Some leaders exemplify power, but not humility.

Leadership by example means becoming the message before communicating the message. People watch how leaders respond to pressure, handle criticism, treat people, manage resources and relate to God. Your example silently teaches what your words loudly proclaim. The question is not simply, “What am I telling people to do?” but, “What am I showing them by my life?”

Brother Paul said “And you should follow my example, just as I follow Christ’s” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT). What Jesus said to His disciples, Paul also said to believers under his care.

If those you lead copy your habits, attitudes and priorities, what kind of family, church, organization or community would you have?

PRAYER: Father, please help me to lead by example. Let my life become a divine recommendation to my generation and generations to come (Isaiah 51:1-2) in the name of Jesus, Amen.