Tuesday, August 9, 2016

August 10, 2016

"Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45

In these several verses Jesus shares the secret of great leadership - leverage your authority to serve others!

You may be thinking, "But Brad, I'm not a leader and I don't particularly want to be a leader why should I care about this?"

I would ask, "Is there not one person you have influence over?" Not a child or a spouse? Not an employee? The only way you are bereft of leadership is if you have not influence because leadership consists in influence.

Even though it is probably impossible to be totally be bereft of leadership, let's say for the sake of agreement that you are that rare person who has no influence over any other human being on planet earth you still need to learn leadership!

Why?

Because you have a life to lead! The expression "leading your life" assumes that (A) you are following someone or something, (B) therefore, you have to lead yourself into following well. You must lead yourself into making decisions that are in your interest. You must take leadership over your emotions, your feelings, your decisions, your direction, your choices, your friends and your behavior.

Doesn't that make sense?

Because you have a Savior to follow! Since everyone follows something you must take leadership over your decision to follow. Who will you follow! Why will you follow? Where will you follow? When will you begin following? Successful following requires a certain level of leadership!

And, how can you make a good decision on who to follow if you don't understand what defines a good leader? You should look to Jesus' example of leadership to lead you in your decision.

So what does Jesus' teaching on leadership have to do with you?

Basically, everything!