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Follow the Leader

    Since my post from yesterday, I still have leadership on my mind. I went over how we relate to other leaders, but what about if we ourselves feel called into a life of leadership? How do we begin the process of fulfilling that calling on our lives?

     The most important thing for a leader to do is to follow. I strongly believe that all of us should be submissive and respectful of leadership that is already in place, regardless of whether we agree with them or not. Like I mentioned in my last post, we should honor those in leadership because they have been allowed in that position by God. When we encounter leaders we do not agree with it is so tempting to assert our own dominance and usurp their positions one way or another. That is never the right answer!

    Jesus calls us into a life of humility and submission. You should never assert yourself or promote yourself, but rather wait until He raises you up to where He wants you. You need to be okay with following even if He never puts you in an official position. Not only following your leaders here on earth, but also remembering to follow God above everyone. He is our compass and He is the one who should light our way at all times. If we can't follow Him we are certainly not going to be able to lead others to Him.

    If you are feeling called into a life of leadership and are tempted to work your own way into a position, check your heart! What's more important to you? Being in control and having your own way, or following Jesus' lead wherever that may be? Start leading by following those who have already been established and see where God takes you.

Matthew 23:12 For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (NIV)

Luke 26:23 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. (ESV)

Mark 9:35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all." (NIV)

1 Peter 5:5-6 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (NIV)

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