In today’s fast-paced world, leadership is often defined by titles, positions of power, and outward success. But in reality, leadership goes far beyond these external markers. True leadership is rooted in the heart, shaped by service, humility, and a willingness to follow God’s will.
As we seek to understand what it means to be a leader, we turn to Scripture, where we find timeless wisdom that guides us in living out our faith through leadership.
Leadership Through Service
Jesus exemplified leadership through service. In Mark 10:45, He says, “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.” Jesus led by example, showing that the heart of leadership is not in being served but in serving others. True leaders recognize that their role is to lift others up, to empower and support those around them, and to make sacrifices for the greater good.
This idea of servant leadership is reinforced in John 13:14-15, when Jesus washes His disciples’ feet and tells them, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Leadership is not about placing ourselves above others but humbly serving them with love and grace.
Leadership Through Humility
Humility is a cornerstone of godly leadership. In Philippians 2:3, Paul urges us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” This passage reminds us that leadership is not about seeking our own glory or recognition. It’s about putting others first and leading with a heart of humility.
Moses is a powerful example of humble leadership. Though called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was often unsure of himself, even questioning God’s choice of him as a leader (Exodus 3:11). Yet, Moses faithfully followed God’s direction, trusting that God’s strength would work through his weaknesses. This is true humility—recognizing that our leadership comes not from our own abilities but from our reliance on God’s wisdom and power.
Leadership Through Faith
A true leader also leads by faith. Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Leadership often requires us to step into the unknown, to make decisions that we don’t fully understand, and to take risks for the sake of others. It’s in these moments that we must lean on our faith, trusting that God will guide us and make our paths straight.
Consider the story of David, a shepherd boy who became king. David’s leadership was not without challenges, yet his faith in God remained steadfast. When he faced Goliath, David didn’t rely on his own strength but trusted in the Lord’s power to deliver victory (1 Samuel 17:45-47). His faith, not his position, defined his leadership.
Leadership Through Love
At the core of leadership is love. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, we are reminded, “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” A true leader loves those they lead, just as Christ loves us. Love guides our decisions, softens our hearts, and compels us to act with kindness and compassion.
Jesus summarized the essence of leadership when He gave us the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37-39: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Leadership that is rooted in love, is patient and kind, and seeks the well-being of others above all else.
Embrace the Calling To Leadership
The true meaning of leadership is not about power, prestige, or position. It is about serving others with humility, faith, and love. As we seek to lead in our families, workplaces, communities, and churches, let us remember the example of Jesus, the ultimate servant-leader. May we follow His footsteps and lead with hearts that reflect His grace, compassion, and selfless love.
As we embrace this divine calling to lead, we are reminded of Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing." When we lead under God's guidance, we lack nothing, for His wisdom, strength, and love are our greatest assets. Let us lead with confidence in Him, knowing that through our leadership, we reflect His light into the world.
