The heart of a leader
Without a solid foundation, leaders will struggle. And a strong foundation starts with a right heart.
The heart of a leader is everything; it’s the lifeline to the leader’s health. When our hearts are muddied—the foundation rocky—our ability to inspire and lead others will suffer, and people will feel it. Which is why it is so important to examine our hearts. To be honest and open to evaluation.
We lead others to serve God and for the greater good. With that, there is an upward focus, inward examination and outward manifestation. Let’s take a look at each, exploring the three vital components to a healthy heart in leadership.
1.Leadership begins and ends with a heart that yields to the Father.
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.’” ~ John5:19
Look at the life of Jesus and we will see a life that was fully devoted to the will of the Father. In fact, Jesus didn’t do anything unless the Father willed it.
You and I are no different. We cannot lead well unless our hearts do His will. It’s seeking after God wholeheartedly; praying consistently for His wisdom and insight; being open to redirect based on His leading.
Whether we’re leading in ministry, the marketplace, church, a small group or in our families, we must ask ourselves, Am I fully in step with His will?
2. We won’t lead others well until we’ve learned to lead ourselves.
“Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” ~ 1 Timothy 4:7-10
A noted indicator of good leadership is discipline, whether in the secular world or the Christian. Good leaders know that discipline paves the way—learning to lead themselves and do what’s best, not easiest.
As a believer, I would take this a step further. A good leader is someone who has learned to lead themselves in righteousness. Who has trained in godliness.
How can we expect to lead others in Kingdom purpose if we haven’t done so ourselves first?
If we desire to lead—from our homes to ministry to the workplace—we need to train ourselves in godliness. It’s here in the unseen a foundation that lasts is built.
3. Leadership isn’t about status. It’s about serving others for the greater good.
“But Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”
~ Matthew 20:25-18
Leadership is not a title. It’s an example, action and influence. Attributes freely given by people who trust you.
For too long leadership has been hijacked as a position people toil after for power, control and admiration. It’s been about the leader’s agenda rather than the people’s good. And Jesus noticed this in his time, as well.
As believers, we are called to lead in a way that is contrary to the world. We are called to serve others. Leadership is about the greater good. And this is exactly what Jesus did with his very life. He served people.
If we want to lead, then we need to serve. Humble ourselves. Cultivate a world that allows others to flourish. People want to follow someone they can trust. Someone they know will battle to make a way for them to thrive. And that usually comes at a cost to the leader.
Jesus, our great King, made the ultimate sacrifice and paid the highest price when he died on the cross.
Photo source: istock
 | Brittany Rust has a passion to see people impacted by the power of God’s Word and the beauty of His grace through writing, speaking and podcasting. She is the founder of Truth and Grace Ministries, For the Mama Heart and Truth x Grace Women, and hosts the Truth x Grace Podcast. She is the author of two books, including Here I Am: Responding When God Calls Your Name (2019) and Untouchable: Unraveling the Myth That You’re Too Faithful to Fall (2018). Learn More » |
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