Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 13, 2011
“Follow me and I will make you fishers of men…” Matthew 4:19
People followed Jesus. This was a key indicator of His leadership, because leaders have followers. Small groups sought Him out for discipleship. The masses mobbed Him for His miracles and authoritative teaching, and individuals clamored for His hope and healing. So I have to ask myself, “When I look behind me are people following?”
People follow those they respect; whom they regard as a trustworthy person of character, and a person of competence who executes strategy with excellence. However, as with Jesus, followers can become fatigued and fall away during times of trials. Leaders are sometimes left alone to bear their cross, die on the cross and be resurrected to the renewal of a vast vision. Leaders like Jesus will experience unpleasant days. But, it is during these days of dire straits that the Spirit gives us strength.
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
Furthermore, Jesus was a tough leader on occasion. He said hard things during hard times. For example, He told an insubordinate Peter, “Get behind me Satan” (Matthew 16:23). This was a test of his motivation and faith. It is during these defining moments that you either lose a good person, or gain a great one. Moreover, Jesus’ style of leadership was loving and patient. He was not in a hurry to heal the hurt of Mary and Martha’s grief, but when He ultimately arrived, He cared deeply (John 11:32-33). Leadership is about being in the right place at the right time for the right reasons.
Therefore, do not react hastily in fear, but respond patiently in faith. Your family is your laboratory for leadership, so serve them well and serve them often. Look around you at work and seek to understand the needs of your team—take the time to look behind and ask, “Is anyone following me?” Above all, be a faithful follower of Jesus, no matter what.
“Then he [Jesus] got into the boat and his disciples followed him.” Matthew 8:23
When I look behind me, can I honestly say others are enthusiastically following my leadership; if not, why?
Related Readings: Exodus 18:25; Numbers 27:18; John 12:42; Hebrews 13:7
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Leaders beware: followers can become fatigued and fall away during times of trials. #leadership
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