lead /liːd/
the initiative in an action; an example for others to follow; cause (a person) to go with one by holding them by the hand, a halter, a rope, etc. while moving forward.
Proverbs 4:25-27 NLT
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
Being a leader can sometimes be a negative thought. Have you ever had a bossy friend, a manager who dictates how things should be done; or seen an elder inflict fear upon you to follow the rules. These, in my opinion, are not leaders.
A leader leads, they come along side you and are an example of how things should be done. They take you by the hand and don’t point a finger. They also move forward instead of moving their ship around in circles.
We can all be leaders, simply to lead the way in an area that we are passionate in. It can be as easy as changing the way you do things for the greater good. You could be starting a habit, or putting an end to one; taking initiative to treat others how you’d like to be treated or to start educating friends and family on an area of life you’d like to see flourish.
Leading the way demands you to go first, which is not always as simple as it sounds, the leader has to walk through the mud in order to inform those behind them that they should walk around the mess. Going first often means getting your hands dirty, messing up and having to start again. This leaves us exposed to criticism and judgement. Despite this, leading the way for those to follow means you get to the other side first and set the standard for those coming behind you.
Just like sheep (yes I'm welsh), most people in life like to follow the crowd. It takes guts to change the route and write a new narrative, or a new path and inspire others to join you. The older we get the more comfortable we are with how things have always been done. Change can often stir the waters, in a negative way for many. It can show cracks in society that we’d rather keep covered. It can also come with pain before reconciliation. Although, if you believe in the cause, chances are others will too.
This week I encourage you to lead the way in your sphere. What’s on your heart, your passion project, that dream, invention or thought that you’ve had to change the way that things are done. How can you lead others around you to see things differently, to move forward by setting a new example.
What’s stopping you?
If we all stepped up and led the way in areas that we feel need to be changed, then the world would be challenged to think differently in so many spheres. How amazing would it be to inspire others to see things clearly; to fight for injustice; to stand up for the oppressed; to inject hope, love and kindness into society.
How are you leading the way?
