Can I Become a Leader?

A leader’s responsibilities usually come with privileges: strength and authority. That is why people compete to lead. The picture of a leader often seems so appealing: just giving orders here and there, without having to work hard because subordinates do the work. This is where we often misunderstand the difference between a leader and a boss.

On the other hand, there are also people who refuse to lead; perhaps because they are afraid or because they feel unworthy or not suited to a leadership position.

Is the assumption that not everyone can become a leader true? What does a true leader look like according to the Bible?

A Leader Serves

“It shall not be so among you. But whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave.” – Matthew 20:26-27

Different from the world’s view, Jesus gives a clear definition of a leader’s qualification: the greatest must serve. A leader is a servant. When the mother of James and John (the sons of Zebedee) asked that her two sons be allowed to sit at Jesus’ right and left in heaven later, Jesus rebuked her in front of the other disciples. This rebuke was a lesson to them about what it means to be a leader.

On another occasion, Jesus gave an example of leadership through the moving moment when He washed His disciples’ feet.

“You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” – John 13:13-14

Through that event, Jesus taught His disciples that a leader must be ready to step in: willing to work hard and not merely sit and give orders. In other words, he must have humility.

Are you a leader who is ready to step in, or do you only want to be served? Do you use your power and strength to manipulate your subordinates or the children under your spiritual care for personal gain?

If we realize that as leaders we are actually meant to serve, we will not act selfishly and arbitrarily toward others.

Dare to Be an Example in What Is Right

Do not act as though you are lording it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. – 1 Peter 5:3

Peter, whose feet had been washed by Jesus, reminded the disciples involved in shepherding not to show off or feel superior because of their position. Instead, they had to be examples to the people they guided, namely examples in faith, love, courage, humility, and forgiveness. 

Not only that, a leader must dare to do what is right, even if he stands alone. He remains strong in all kinds of circumstances. He does not lead with an iron hand, but by the example of his life.

In everything set yourself an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity and seriousness, soundness of speech that cannot be condemned ... – Titus 2:7-8a

Have Integrity and Dedication

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, not under compulsion but willingly according to the will of God, and not for selfish gain, but with devotion. – 1 Peter 5:2 

One mark of a true leader is high integrity. He is not deceitful or manipulative, telling his subordinates to do what is right while not doing it himself.

Besides that, he does not seek personal gain, but works for the good of those he serves. He leads not to accumulate wealth and power. He is not discriminatory or partial, caring only about subordinates who are compliant or wealthier than those who like to question his policies or are more modest.

Lead with sincerity and full devotion. Do not do it reluctantly, much less to seek profit, praise, a good name, or mere honor.

So, affectionately longing for you, we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. – 1 Thessalonians 2:8

A true leader does not hesitate to love, to do or speak what is right, and to share with others.

Everyone Can Become a True Leader

Leader status is not an absolute attribute for followers of Christ. The love and power of God are the same for everyone. That means being a Christian does not depend on status or position.

For example, while you still hold a leadership position, you are willing to be an example, inspire, serve, and teach others to know the truth. But when you are no longer a leader, you refuse to give, come latest to worship gatherings and leave earliest. Worse still, instead of taking part in helping others know God, you spend more time criticizing them or busily gossiping about their personal lives.

If we are only eager to give and teach when we are leaders, that means we do it merely for position or status. How shallow our faith is. As a leader or former leader, should we not still be an inspiration and an example in good deeds, and be earnest in living as a Christian? (Titus 2:7-8)

But we want each of you to show the same diligence so that your hope may be fully assured until the end. – Hebrews 6:11

Do not be discouraged if at this moment you are not a leader or are only a former leader. God does not care about your status in this world. Rank and position will not save the soul. Rather, as Christians, we should show the same earnestness as a true leader: being an example, willing to serve, and sincerely giving. Keep the spirit! - Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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