Leadership is an opportunity. At its core, leadership is service. Not only to those around you but also as followers of Christ, we serve the Lord by laying down our gifts to honour the ONE who created them in us. Every day, whether as CEO of a large international company, serving the most delicious latte, grading calculus papers, changing diapers, selling the latest high rise, or caring for the health of others, it’s all service. Your role, no matter how seemingly small, is integral to the leadership process.

Leadership flourishes when service is at the core

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

You may have a boss or ten, but as believers, we ultimately answer to Christ and serve him. Honouring our bosses here and now gives glory to God. Where do you lead? You may say that you don’t lead at all, have no opportunity, or somehow, your current situation does not allow you to. I challenge you to consider that leading is not the ultimate goal. It comes down to leading with a strength of humility and a servant’s heart that shapes the leader in you. If that is your intention, a strong leader can survive and make a difference.
                                                 
Serving in whatever sphere you are in is possible; we can all serve others. What are we waiting for if serving is at the root of leading? Do you feel lowest as a staff member because someone said that to you, or do you believe leaders are for a select few? I know I hear you. There is only one president, prime minister, principal, CEO, or head chef. No one said you can’t lead as a heck of an administrator, creative sous chef, local artisan, student, or landscape architect and countless other roles. Leadership is not reserved for a select few; it’s a role everyone can step into and make a difference. Remember,

Leadership flourishes with humble service; this cancels out weak leadership.

“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:6-10)

I have seen the unexpected take the lead and bless, but only a few see. I have seen mothers lead their kids into battles some wouldn’t dream of. They go into these moments with a fierce determination to walk with their child and give their all in service to their child. They serve and lead simultaneously. Our personalities vary, as do our skill sets, yet when it comes down to it- strong leaders lead with wisdom and humble service. Impossible!?
I bet you are thinking of a boss right now who was anything but humble. Perhaps more of a controlling, selfish, power-hungry, wannabe leader. It happens. Power and control become muddled when selfishness, greed, dominance, and hunger for power override reality. It’s sin-soaked leadership. We all have this tendency to sin, but we must remember we have been forgiven and must live like we are sons and daughters of the King! We must own our sins, ask for forgiveness, and forgive quickly. We all need this reminder!

Leadership flourishes when we guard our heart.

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. ” (Proverbs 4:23)

Leaders lead when they know they have been called to a place, time and environment that calls for exactness and precision for that moment. The calling, education, planning, learning, adjusting, and creating are part of the recipe for success. I think of incredible leaders in specific fields right now who can do only what they can do because they were called to it and worked incredibly hard to get there and remain. Yet it is not without failure, opposition, pain, tears, heartache and triumph, which are all inevitable ingredients on the leadership menu.
Leading quietly at home with young children is no less important than any other place. It’s yours for right now on purpose. God gave it to you.
Why say, “But I’m just a _________?” You fill in the blank. Why not change the statement and say, “Thank you, Lord, for this moment and calling in my life. How may I honour you today!”
You can lead where you are today as a humble, gracious follower of Christ in all you do. Take the lead as God allows. Serve as God calls you to: humbly, graciously, and purposefully. Remember, humility is not a sign of weakness but a strength that allows you to serve others effectively and honour God in your leadership. May this encourage you to serve others with humility and grace now where you are today!

Here are my brief thoughts I shared on my podcast about the word LEAD that lead to flourishing leadership!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-connections-with-sandee-macgregor/id1749327631

If you have time to read through Ruth and Esther– these women took great leaps of faith and provide us examples of women that suffered, persevered and took the lead as willing, obedient faith-filled servants! 

A few verse to share: