By Jesus Sampedro
How do you know if you are a leader? Check and see if you have anyone following you. Having followers is the demonstration that there is some kind of leadership taking place. John Maxwell, world-renowned author and leadership authority, once said, “If you think you’re a leader and you don’t have anyone following you, you’re just taking a walk.” Are you leading – or just going for a stroll?
In assessing leadership impact, there is an important question to ask: Where do people get the desire to follow – and then actually follow someone? Why are they not content simply to chart own course?
Many leaders assume that people follow them because of their persuasive abilities, charisma, achievements, offers, fame, or other qualities or attributes. This is often true in the realm of business leadership, where leaders are often recognised based on personalities and person accomplishments. People like to follow people who seem to be making things happen.
However, this is not always the case. Especially in the realm of spiritual leadership, it is important to understand it is God who makes people desire to follow, start following, and then keep following a particular leader. This is the leader the Lord has appointed and anointed for His purposes.
It was King David of Israel who recognised God is the one “who subdues peoples under me” (Psalm 144:2). Even before he assumed his royal responsibilities, David became aware of this. But he was able to experience this principle fully after assuming office as the new king of Israel, replacing deeply flawed King Saul.
The 12th chapter of 1 Chronicles in the Bible’s Old Testament presents an interesting description of how the people chose to put themselves under David’s command, joined his cause, and recognised him as the leader appointed by God. Up to that point, David had shown loyalty to Saul, his predecessor. He was content to trust in God and possessed the determination to fulfil his life’s mission. However, he did not yet have the necessary company of key people to come alongside him in his endeavours – especially an army to defend him and his people from enemy factions.
To gain the followers he needed, David did not place want ads in the newspaper or post signs around the city. He simply believed that as God had provided so many other things in his life, the Lord would provide this needed “team” of people. The Lord took it upon Himself to mobilise and direct key individuals from all spheres of the Israelite society to David, to accept his command and align themselves with his cause.
We read about this in 2 Chronicles 12:22, which states, “… Day after day men came to help David, until he had a great army, like the army of God.” David was then able to experience the wonder of leadership, with God selecting and assembling a team of followers and collaborators who possessed godly character. These proved to be faithful leaders able to fulfil the tasks given to them.
David became a living example of a proverb his son, Solomon, would write years later after he also had assumed the kingship of Israel. Solomon observed, “When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order” (Proverbs 28:2).
© 2024. Dr. Jesus A. Sampedro, a native of Venezuela, is an associate professor and program director of the Master of Arts (MA) in Leadership program at Mid-America Christian University. Developing leaders has been his longtime passion. He has served on the CBMC International board, is a founding member of the Business and Theology Council of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), and currently serves on the board of the International Coach Federation (Arkansas-Oklahoma Chapter).
Reflection/Discussion Questions
How would you define “leadership”? Have you ever observed anyone who acted like a leader but, for lack of genuine followers, was in reality – as John Maxwell has expressed it – simply taking a walk?
What are some of the characteristics or qualities you look for in people that you would be willing to follow as leaders?
Do you believe, particularly in a spiritual sense, that it is God who directs people to follow the individuals He places in leadership positions, even in the so-called “secular marketplace”? Why or why not?
In what ways could a person possessing Christlike character – attributes exhibited by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry – prove to be a more effective leader than someone not having or exhibiting those traits?
NOTE: For more about what the Bible says, consider the following passages:
Exodus 3:9-18
Proverbs 27:23-27
Matthew 28:19-20
John 15:5-8,16
Challenge for This Week
It is good to evaluate and seek to improve your leadership style and technique, but it is God who makes certain that you will have followers for the tasks He has given you to perform.
During the next week, set aside some time to reflect on your leadership strengths and weaknesses. It might be helpful to consult with a trusted friend, a mentor, and members of your CBMC group if you are part of one. Pray and ask God what kind of leader He desires for you to become.