This week I was analyzing our influence as leaders and how our actions affect others, and I was amazed by how unaware some people are of their responsibility as leaders. I see every day how many "so-called leaders" negatively affect the lives of their followers. Unfortunately, some people in positions of authority believe that a good leader must be super strict, despotic, unfair, and proud. Nothing could be further from the truth. A true leader should guide, lead by example, train, protect, correct, and teach with LOVE.
You can show off many things, titles, conquests, accomplishments, and possessions, but if you don't have love in your life is all vane and useless. You can boast of being the most Christian, of being in a position of authority, and having all the spiritual gifts in the world, but if you do not have compassion or love for those around you, everything you do is in vain. Love is not only a word you say to feel better about yourself. Love implies sacrifice, losing for the benefit of others, helping without expecting anything in return, giving selflessly and without measure, raising and restoring the fallen, and speaking the truth even if it hurts. It is a decision and demands unselfish acts without hidden agendas.
True leaders are not afraid of sacrifices. They do not feel threatened by the growth of their followers. They are always willing to roll their sleeves and work hard to serve others. A genuine leader is not looking to be praised nor wants recognition and loves to lift others. A good leader knows how to delegate according to their follower's strengths and talents. It is someone who can admit their faults, flaws, and weaknesses and is not afraid to ask for help if needed. True leaders take time to know their followers and always look for ways to help, support, and nurture them. I ask you, after reading all this, can you tell me you are a good leader?
My heart is saddened to see how there are people who claim to be "Christians," and when it comes to the opportunity to demonstrate what they are made of, they do a poor representation of what being a Christian is, and they abuse their authority.
I invite you to examine your intentions, and if you realize that Love is not behind them, it is time to seek the one who is essentially LOVE. It is time to surrender your life to God.
Reflect on 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3
"If I speak in the tongues of men or angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains but does not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
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