I was in a conference where the speaker called out three people up stage and asked them to be on a straight line. The person in front was told not to move while the ones behind were to attempt moving. He asked us a thought-provoking question; “Can we say the person in front is a leader just because he’s in front?”
Friend, a leader is not just someone in front. He’s someone providing direction and inspiring motion (Matthew 15:14). The fact that someone is in front does not make him a leader. In fact, being in front, without moving, is actually going to be a hindrance instead of being a help. Leaders are not just in front occupying positions. They are in front, inspiring change (Nehemiah 2:18).
What about you? Are you just in front doing nothing and hindering those who want to rise? Are you in front, inspiring change? One of the rebukes that Jesus gave the Pharisees was that they shut up the kingdom of heaven against men. They were not interested in going in, but they also stopped others from going in (Matthew 23:13).
A leader is supposed to lead and not to be a lid (2 Timothy 2:1-2). Leaders provide platforms and opportunities for people to rise to their true potential and capacity (2 Timothy 1:6). Whether in the home, workplace, church, or nation at large, leaders must inspire change and growth. They must not be a lid covering the possibilities in people.
Leadership positions are powerful. But position without progress is more of a burden than a blessing (Judges 9:8-15). The lowest level of leadership is position, according to John. C Maxwell. You need to take your life and leadership beyond position. The position is meant to enhance leadership. It does not supply leadership (Matthew 23:1-4).
Don’t just be out there in front. Take the lead. Don’t just seek visibility. Seek relevance. Seek impact (Acts 13:36). Men of impact are easily noticeable. They are like salt and light. They cannot be ignored. They are like a city on a hill. Everybody sees and notices them (Matthew 5:13-16). Be that kind of leader wherever you find yourself.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria