“He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.” – John Maxwell
Anyone in a position of leadership for any time at all has heard one these phrases passed around. Although these sayings initially seem like great tidbits of wisdom they stand in error when they are applied to the Bible. Life isn’t Twitter, and there is infinitely more to Biblical leadership than the number of followers you have acquired.
Jesus Christ is the greatest leader throughout all of History. Whether you are a Christian or an Athiest you would be hard pressed to argue that point. Although Jesus was the epitome of leadership we see his followers desert Him at the time they are needed most. Throughout all of History we see the nation of Israel turn their backs on God and worship idols- does that mean God is a bad leader? We see God send prophet after prophet who are ridiculed, reviled, and eventually killed by those who they were sent to lead. The entire population of the earth was wiped out because they didn’t listen to the warnings of Noah- was he not a leader?
My point isn’t to disprove this mode of thinking (though I wouldn’t mind that happening), but to remind you that you are a leader because you were appointed by God. Whether men respond or don’t respond, whether people mimic you or mock you, it is your divine purpose to lead through your passion, your consistency, and your response to the cross. Know that it is ok if you are taking a walk and no one is following you, as long as you are following in the footsteps of Christ.
