Leadership is the state or position of being a leader. In leadership, leaders are often tasked with leading a group of people or an organization.
Do you have what it takes to be a true leader? And what should true leadership look like?
So what does it take to be a true leader? I am glad you asked. In order to be a true effective leader, you must know how to serve. Matthew 23:11 tells us that, “… he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” What? Yes, he or she who is the greatest amongst you must also become the servant of you. Also in the Gospel of Matthew 20:20–28 and the Gospel of Mark 10:35–45, Jesus explains that He “…came as Son of man to give his life as ransom.” …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.
Too often we think that leadership looks like a pyramid with the leader sitting at the top sending orders and directions down to all of the followers; however, true leadership, good leadership should look like the opposite. It should depict an upside down pyramid with the leader being at the bottom pushing and helping the followers to the top.
At one point, Jesus was found washing the feet of His followers. What was he doing? He was leading by example as a good leader should.
Many Old Testament references show that the washing of the feet was the first act on entering the tent or house after a journey. Sandals were often worn, and this washing was refreshing as well as cleanly. In the case of ordinary people, the host furnished the water, and the guests washed their own feet, but in the richer houses, the washing was done by a slave. It was looked upon as the lowliest of all services but yet we find The Highest of highest, The Holiest of holies, The King of kings, Jesus, washing the feet of His followers. This is true leadership in action.
Leaders should be willing to do the things that they ask of their followers. A good leader will practice whatever he or she preaches. As leaders we must first be the change that we desire to see!
We suffer as a people due to lack of good leadership. This is not to say that we don’t have good leaders; however, this is to say that we could use a lot more.
Please know that as a leader, everyone will not support you. Therefore, the task can often feel challenging; however, if we truly want to see better days ahead, we leaders must step up and work at becoming better at leading!
Leadership, do you have what it takes?!
God bless you,
Pastor Cooper
– Adrian is a life-long Waxahachie native. He is the pastor of Waxahachie Life Church and the owner of Future Generations Christian Child Care Center. He is passionate about the youth in our communities, and believes that investing in them is investing in the future. He and his wife, Marquita are raising 4 handsome boys.
