When you choose to lead, you accept the responsibility to unleash your potential and cultivate the qualities that position you for rapid growth and promotion.
Judges 9:7-15 (NLT) and Psalm 103:1-15 (NLT) challenges us to see leadership as a divine mandate—an opportunity to shape the world while fulfilling God’s purpose.
1. The Foundation of Leadership is Leading Yourself
The most challenging yet crucial part of leadership is self-leadership. Before attempting to lead others, you must first master leading yourself. As Matthew 15:14 reminds us, “A blind leader cannot guide others.” Self-leadership begins with:
- Taking Stock of Your Unique Value: Reflect on your gifts and talents. What sets you apart? What value do you bring to your world?
- Envisioning Your Ideal Self: Use Jeremiah 29:11 and Jeremiah 33:3 as anchors. Picture your future and set benchmarks by learning from those who inspire you.
- Rebelling Against Mediocrity: Break free from limiting beliefs. Reject mediocrity and align with the vision God has for your life.
- Giving Yourself Time: Growth takes time. Be patient with yourself as you evolve.
To truly change the world, begin by changing yourself. Your transformation is the seed for the greater impact God wants to achieve through you.
2. The second level of leadership is leading others
Leadership extends beyond self to influencing and empowering others. Genesis 2:8 demonstrates the strength of collaboration: “It is not good for man to be alone.” Leading others requires:
- Expanding Your Thinking: Leadership isn’t about scarcity; it’s about abundance. Empower others without fear of diminishing your influence.
- Cultivating Empathy: True leadership prioritizes the needs and perspectives of others. Break free from selfishness and focus on collective growth.
- Attracting Loyal People: Galatians 6:7 reminds us that we reap what we sow. As you lead with integrity, God will send you people who share your vision and values.
When you work together with others, your potential multiplies, enabling you to achieve what you could never accomplish alone.
3. Leading Others to Lead Others: Building a Legacy
The highest form of leadership is reproduction—raising leaders who will also inspire and train others. As 2 Timothy 2:2 states, “Teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” Your success isn’t measured by the number of followers you have but by the leaders you create. This includes:
- Mentoring and Coaching: Invest in others by teaching, guiding, and equipping them for leadership.
- Creating a Ripple Effect: Leadership isn’t about holding power but about sharing it to multiply impact.
God has placed you on earth not to be a victim but to be a shaper of destinies. Like a tide that lifts all ships, your leadership can elevate those around you, creating a legacy that endures.
An excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Sam Adeyemi on Sunday, November 24, 2024
Watch this sermon here
