A Leader Worth Following

Leadership involves influence and we all influence others in one way or another. Either for better or for worse. Whether with family, friends, co-workers, or acquaintances, it’s vital we carefully consider our sphere of influence and the type of influence we have on them.

So, “Are you a leader worth following?”

John Maxwell says, “The most important ingredient of leadership is integrity.”Integrity is the quality of being honest, of having strong moral principles, and it’s an essential ingredient if we’re going to lead others in God-honoring ways and faithfully represent Christ to this world.

We live in a world that promotes compromise, that says, “do whatever’s necessary to accomplish your goals and meet your needs — even if it means disregarding your convictions.” But — is compromising really worth it? Is it really more important for us to achieve our goals and get our needs met — or do we value our reputation above our desires? Bottom line — it’s a choice — and it’s a courageous choice to choose character over achievement.

So, what must we do to maintain our integrity? To be a leader worth following? Consider the following five steps:

Think Before You Speak and Act. Think about what you are thinking, consider how and what you are saying before you speak, and always take time to objectively appraise each situation before you act.

“Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.”- Hebrews 13:18(NASB)

Be Accountable. Invite safe friends to inspect your life, to challenge you in maintaining your integrity and give them permission to hold you accountable.

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”- Proverbs 27:17 (NASB)

Be Honest. Be upfront, truthful and willing to admit when you have made a mistake or done something wrong.

“Any sin we cover, God uncovers; Any sin we uncover, God covers.” Johnny Hunt

Seek to Please God. Base your decisions on what God thinks and not on what people think. Be willing to accept that some may approve — while others may not.

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”- Colossians 3:23-24 (NASB)

Apply God’s Word to Your Everyday Life. Renew your mind daily by studying, memorizing, and discussing God’s Word. Then ask God to help you apply the timeless life lesson you learn from His Word to your everyday life in practical ways. This way, you will be well prepared to make courageous choices that bring glory to God.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”- Romans 12:1-2(NASB)

And finally — ask yourself: