Knowing when to be a leader and when to be a follower is extremely important. As Christians, we need to know how to be both a leader and a follower. Oftentimes, followers can be presented as being inferior to leaders; however, as Christians, we know being a leader, and a follower is equally important.
When to Be a Leader
We are to be leaders in our daily walk with Christ. This might sound odd at first, yet it is important for us to be leaders in our daily life. Being a leader in our daily life means that we are independent in our choices and thoughts, yet we still yield to Jesus’ Lordship.
In our leadership, we need to always remain under Jesus’ ultimate guidance. It is dangerous to follow the crowd or whatever is popular. This is why it is crucial for us to lead and make our own decisions in accordance with God’s Word.
The Bible tells us, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). In addition to being leaders in our daily lives, we will also have opportunities of leading others in group projects, Bible studies, and mission trips.
We will come across many group projects in school and college, in which we will be designated as the leader of the group. As the leader of a group project, it will be our job to lead the group and ensure all of the work is properly being finished.
Being a leader can be hard, especially when others do not listen to you. Another time when you have to be a leader is if you are leading a Bible study. Leading a Bible study can be intimidating at times; however, it is very fulfilling to lead a Bible study with friends, family, or your small group.
Teaching the truths of Scripture and how to apply them to your life is a great honor and responsibility. As the leader of the Bible study, individuals in your study will be looking to you and seeking guidance from you.
It is best to be well prepared prior to your Bible study. As the leader, the members of the study will be asking you questions and following your example. It is crucial to know your material and to display Christ in your actions.
Mission trips are another area when you need to be a leader. Whether you are the group leader on and off the mission field, you are still called to lead in your daily life.
When to be a leader in the mission field can come in obvious forms, such as leading a church, or it may come in not so obvious ways, such as living among the local people.
In our daily actions, we need to demonstrate Christ and bring glory to Him. On the mission field, people are going to be watching us and will be interested in what we are doing. If we give a negative view of Christ by our actions, we could push them away.
Yet, if we demonstrate Jesus in our actions, it will point others to know Him. As one can see, being a leader is extremely important, not only in projects but also in daily life.
When to Be a Follower
We are to be followers in our daily lives — not of any person we see, but of Christ. With the fascination with social media and following friends, celebrities, and influencers, we have an obsession with following people.
Even though it may be fun to follow others on social media, the only true Person we need to be following is Jesus. The Lord calls us to follow Him, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
In every area of our lives, we need to be followers of Jesus. When we are following Jesus faithfully, we will be living in obedience to Him. We follow Jesus because we love Him. It is not often a person will faithfully follow another unless they truly love that person from their heart.
In the same way, we do not follow someone we do not respect. As Christians, we follow Jesus because we love Him, respect Him, and we know He wants the best for us. Being a follower of Jesus means living for Him, taking up your cross daily to follow Him, and denying oneself (Mark 8:34).
This can be a hard teaching for some because they do not want to give up everything to follow Jesus. Nonetheless, Jesus tells us plainly, “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33). We have to be willing to give up everything to be true followers of Christ.
Followers are often seen as inferior to leaders, but as Christians, we know this is not true. Being a follower of Jesus is the greatest thing to do with our lives. There is nothing inferior about following Jesus and submitting to His Lordship.
Leading and Following
There will be times in our lives when we have to be a leader and a follower. In all areas, we need to strive to follow Jesus’ example. Jesus was the perfect leader; therefore, we need to follow His example.
As a leader, we should be caring, compassionate, and understanding. It is not right to lead with a dictatorship attitude. In other words, being bossy is not going to display Jesus’ kindness and love. Being a leader is very important, as is being a follower.
Whether we are a leader or a follower, we need to have a good, healthy, and positive attitude. When being a leader or a follower, we need to have the same attitude as Jesus.
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-8).
Being a leader or a follower is hard work, and dedication is crucial. In our leading and following, we need to strive to bring glory to God. When we are leaders, we need to lead as Jesus led by following His example.
Likewise, when we follow, we need to follow faithfully and loyally. It can be hard to be a leader and a follower at times, yet God will always help us. You will know when it is time to be a leader when God urges you through the Holy Spirit.
A feeling, a calling, and a desire will push you to lead and point others to Christ through your leadership. Being a follower of Christ needs to occur daily because we need to always submit ourselves to Jesus’ Lordship in our lives.
Jesus Christ is the best leader, and we are doing right when we allow Him to lead us and we follow. If you feel God is calling you to be a leader, pray to Him and talk with Him about it. Read the Bible and search it to see what God is trying to tell you.
The Lord speaks to us through His Word; thus, the Bible is where we need to go in order to hear from Him. God will help you to know when to be a leader and when to be a follower, yet we are always to be followers of Jesus.
For further reading:
What Is the Spiritual Gift of Leadership?
What Does Godly Leadership Actually Look Like?
What Does the Bible Say about Discipleship?
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