“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, NIV

Our leadership should set an example to those around us. Both our speech and our actions should point toward love and kindness. We don’t want those around us to be led astray by our actions or testimony. Our leadership can be a powerful tool to point others toward Christ as well as show unity and love to those who need it.

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“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11–13, NIV

Leadership is everywhere in our world. There are good leaders and bad leaders, wise leaders and foolish ones. Some leaders impact many people such as an entire nation, while other leaders may only influence one or two people. It is important we understand the impact that we can make in the lives of others no matter where we are in life.

As Christians when we are put in positions of leadership, we are called to care about those around us and serve them with Godly leadership. Our leadership should be about more than our power, influence or individual purpose. Rather, our leadership should show Christ’s love to others and be filled with his purpose and intent.

Leading with purpose requires more than just our own strength. It requires us to rely on God and look to the Bible where He has shown us examples of Godly leadership. Each day we get to choose what type of leader we want to be. We are equipped with the tools we need to make wise choices as we develop as long-term leaders.

“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” — Matthew 20:25-28, NIV

As Christians if we are given a position of authority, we should not lord it over others or use it to treat others as inferior to us. Rather, we should embrace humility and think of leadership as an opportunity to serve. Even Jesus, the Son of God, did not come to earth with a prideful or arrogant attitude. He came ready to serve others and help those around him (Matthew 20:28).

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalm 119:105, NIV

Everyone has a different reach when it comes to leadership. For example, some people may have families and children that they lead. Other people may teach in a classroom and lead students. Still others may have a position of authority in a company or business or even in government.

Where can we turn when we have people that are relaying on us for wisdom and guidance? We can find Godly leadership in the Bible. Psalm 119:105 calls God’s Word “a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” As we strive to lead and treat others with Godliness, we can turn to God for assistance and insight. Seeking God above anything else, including our personal purpose and desires, can help us to put others above ourselves and set our minds on God’s plans and not our own.