Do you see yourself as a leader?
I’ve never felt I was, and yet over the past few years several people have labelled me just that. I don’t have a team who look to me to tell them what to do, there’s no one waiting for instructions from me on how to do this or that, and yet, it’s been pointed out me that people watch me and what they see influences them. Not least the five people I gave birth to.
Right now I’m leading my family through difficult personal circumstances and vast change. Some days I’m better at modelling right behaviour than other days. It was pointed out to me a few weeks ago that my behaviour through this painful time impacted a friend so much that it altered how she responded when she was faced with a difficult situation herself. I’m leading as best I can and showing those around me that I’m relying 100% on God for what I need to power me on. I hope my life points to the one who gives life, rather than any skill on my part.
I guess I’m also leading you readers a little too—I’m trying my best to encourage you to keep reading and keep being brave and, ultimately, share your brave acts here, or with your real-life friends. Writing each day and assuming this (semi)leadership position is brave for me. (Except see how I had to add ‘semi’ in that previous sentence!)
Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth: ‘You say, “Under grace there are no rules and we’re free to do anything we please.” Not exactly. Because not everything promotes growth in others. Your slogan, “We’re allowed to do anything we choose,” may be true—but not everything causes the spiritual advancement of others.’ (1 Corinthians 10:23, The Passion Translation) This translation underlines Paul’s desire to see believers help other believers grow and he warns that not everything contributes to that purpose. So we should watch how we walk; be aware that others may be following us for clues on how to live their own lives.
Let’s put our best (pedicured, as Annie F. Downs so enjoys) foot forward, and before we get weighed down with anything else, let’s also remember that sometimes the best thing we can model is grace and how to ask forgiveness when we mess up.
I think leading can be misrepresented in this day. It’s not necessarily leading a large group of people, an army, a nation. It’s leading your family, yourself or a friend. And the leading is, as Annie says, leading people with the way you live.
You may not even know you are doing it. (Tifainé you definitely don’t, you are an inspiration) No great dramas, just a way of life. And an ability to love others, no matter what. Sometimes it’s not easy or consistent.
I feel I do help direct my children. Through the ups and downs. And I try to apply the principles to myself.
I lead a team of people at work. But my strengths are their well-being rather than the work itself. (More important though?)
I try to be brave and speak up when I feel I can help or if I notice something amiss with someone else. There are lots of ways. And even more if I overcome the fear of offending people or looking daft.
It looks to me like you are on just the right path. Leading by living. Loving people and looking out for them. And yes, I agree, leading isn’t just about having masses of followers. And thanks for the compliment. Love you, Tifainé
This made me think of my Sunday school lesson today. It was on the church being your family and how we care for those in our “home”. We talked about how we care for our siblings in their walk and spiritual parents within the church. As I read your words on watching how we walk, it reminded me of the lesson! 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 describes how Paul conducted himself and his companions. You might find that timely with leading
Thanks for sharing that passage, Sarah! It’s very relevant to how we should behave with those we live and work alongside everyday. I appreciate you sharing very much. Love Tifainé
I realize that as a teacher I am leading every single day, but it doesn’t feel like leadership. I hate leading amongst my peers. I feel so unqualified, and I hate the responsibility of things that are often out of my control.
I lead my class though. I have had to apologize to my kids for getting angry. I have tried to be an example of love and respect. And in doing so, I have realized that I am leading some of my coworkers. My partner teacher has said multiple times that she has learned so much from me, and I feel like I am just constantly making mistakes. She has witnessed a love and grace with the children, and it challenges her to be a better teacher. In a way, that makes me want to do better. I hope my life can lead well, even lead others to God’s love.