The True Leader

MercyMe sings, "You're the One Who conquers giants. You're the One Who calls out kings. You shut the mouths of lions. You tell the dead to breathe. You're the One Who walks through fire. You take the orphan's hand. You are the One Messiah! You are I AM!" ("You Are I Am") God does many things on our behalf. He is in control. After all, He is the Ultimate Leader. We should look to Him for provision and guidance!

Acts 20:40-41 tells us, "With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.' Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (NIV)

Maxwell says, "The proof of leadership is found in the followers." A position doesn't make a leader. A title doesn't instill principles in a person to make them into what it takes to lead. That takes work. And one has to earn the trust and respect of those around him to earn followers. "People listen to what someone has to say, not necessarily because of the message, but because of their respect for the messenger." (Maxwell)

Do your followers look to you when a question needs answered? If not, and they look to someone else, chances are you're not the real leader. People pay attention and listen when the real leader speaks.

If you find yourself in a position where your "followers" are not looking to you for guidance, develop relationships with your teammates and followers. Show them that you care enough to invest in them. That is a crucial step to gaining true followers.

Ask yourself, "What can you learn from people's reaction when you communicate?" We must learn to read our followers. Doing so helps us to communicate better because we can see when the message is getting across or when there is confusion. From there, we can take proper action and move forward effectively.

Pray this prayer: "Father God, please help me to grow a group of people who truly follow me. Grow me as a leader so that I can effectively lead others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!" Trust in God to guide you and lead you in the right direction. Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." (NIV) He cares for you!

God bless you!