Our world is filled with all kinds of shapes. Some are round. Some are square. Shapes take the form of an octagon or triangle. There are shapes that are long and short, deep and wide.

What is the shape of our leadership? Leaders can take the shape of…

…dictatorship, leadership by force of arms.
…representation, leadership that represents others.
…the status quo, leadership that does little or nothing different.
…paternalism, leadership that is fatherly.
…sacrifice, leadership that seeks the greatest good for all.

Each area can play a part in what shapes us as a leader. May our leadership be sacrificial, one that shapes eternity.

Where is our place? Do we have a place?

Does leadership have a place? When we evaluate all the people and activities that fill the places in our lives, where does leadership fit, or does it?

Regarding our influence, we need to consider the following.

Should immoral activities have a place in our life?
Do we allow inappropriate language to have a place?
Will we welcome questionable conduct into its own place?
Is there a place for hypocrisy in our lives?

There is no place for worldly behavior in the life of God’s spiritual leaders. We need to exemplify the place of spiritual leadership.

If we are going to lead, we must learn to follow. Without an understanding of following the leadership of others, our own leadership is hindered.

Sam Rayburn said it this way, “You cannot be a leader, and ask other people to follow you, unless you know how to follow, too.”

Consider the necessity of following Christ. We strive to lead others to Him. The success of our efforts are affected by our following Him. Learning to submit to the authority of Jesus and follow Him makes us a great vessel in spiritual leadership.

Character is foundational to the success of leadership. We know this to be true, but what is the substance of our character.

Psalm 15:2 contributes three key elements: a way of life, work ethic, and manner of speech. Character is defined by the three phrases.

We must walk with integrity.
We must work righteousness.
Speak truth in our heart.

When the whole of our life and leadership are developed on the foundation of these three areas, our character is being defined as God would define it.

There is not enough space to exhaust every possibility related to this subject.

However, it should go without saying that our character is invaluable. Without godly character, a leader cannot succeed in leading as God desires.

Character is the substance of leadership. Where we find character, we will always find leadership. John Maxwell writes, “Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.” General Norman Schwarzkopf adds, “Leadership is the potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy.”

Based on these thoughts, we can see the vital need for this study.

Thomas often receives the greatest criticism because of his desire to see the hands and side of Jesus.

However, scripture teaches us all the apostles fled when Jesus was condemned to die. All the apostles initially doubted the reports by the women who had seen Him.

It should not take a visible manifestation of Jesus to recognize that the whole of who we are is connected to His Lordship.

Thomas was one who challenged the report, demonstrated in his expression of doubt. However, once he saw Jesus, he did not hesitate to confess what all leaders should place at the foundation of their leadership.

Context is an interesting word with a variety of meanings and applications. From a particular written document to specific circumstances or statements, the context should determine our approach.

What is the context of our leadership?

By examining the circumstances surrounding our opportunity to lead, what approach do we take when it comes to leading others?

Do we find ourselves out of context?

We need to serve within the context which God has given us to serve.

The context of our Lord’s leadership was one of serving others, placing their needs above His own. Our leadership must be in the same context.

As a leader, a question needs to be answered. What is the real payoff for our leadership?

There are several answers, but here is a thought.

The real payoff comes when the lives of followers change. This is what our leadership is all about. We are trying to change lives, eternally.

When we examine the work of Jesus at the cross, the payoff is witnessed in the lives changed around the world.

Spiritual leadership is not about seeking fame, popularity, and wealth. The payoff is summed up in the people who will see heaven because of our leadership.

Teaching provides an opportunity to influence the greatest amount of people. However, Rosabeth Moss Kantor says, “Leaders are more powerful role models when they learn than when they teach.”

When I read the quote it reminded me of the most powerful leaders that live. They are learners first, then teachers.

When students see their teachers passionate about learning and sharing what they learn, it excites everyone involved in the process. What a powerful combination!

If we want to grow in our leadership example and be the kind of role model others can emulate, then exemplify this thought.

Biblical leadership can never be about you or me. What is our leadership about?

It’s about God. Every thought, word and action is focused on our God. We are to glorify Him, lift Him up, and point others to Him.

It’s about others.The very idea of leading others-centric. We are in the business of leading people. Our leadership is necessitated by helping others come to God.

If we really want to make a difference and leave a dynamic legacy, then we need to understand the nature and purpose of our leadership.

It is first about God and, second, others.