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.

There is something special about the opportunity to learn from others, either from a book, in a classroom, experience, or one on one.

Some lessons are easier to learn than others. There are some lessons we do not like learning, even though they must be learned.

However, being a student is one of the vital needs of leadership.

We never want to reach a point where we think we have made it, no need to learn anything more.

Throughout life there will be numerous lessons to learn. We need to take advantage of every opportunity to be a student. Doing so will improve our leadership.

Herb Tatum is noted for this thought, “Never make a promise you can’t keep.”

His point is valid. We need to be careful and thoughtful before speaking.

Jesus noted the need for us to be careful about our words. Our yes should mean yes and our no, no. When we say we will do something, then do it.

Nothing is more frustrating than when someone says, “I’ll get right back to you,” and they never do. This is magnified even more when it extends into areas of leadership.

A leader must be bound to their word.

Never make a promise we can’t keep!