"Follow the leader"
2 The first of the exiles to return to their property in their former towns were priests, Levites, Temple servants, and other Israelites.
The first exiles to return to Jerusalem are the leaders. The priests, Levites, & temple servants. This is what good leaders do.
They knew there would be risk in going back & they chose to go back anyway. They knew there would be a lot of hard work but they went back anyway. They didn't wait for the people to go, they led the way.
For good leaders, leadership is always risky. If we aren't risking then we aren't leading. If we aren't willing to step out into the unknown as leaders, we are probably too comfortable. If we aren't willing to risk failure then we probably aren't leading. We have to be willingly to step out into the line of fire first in order to lead people where God wants them to go.
Leaders also have to work. I like the term John Acuff uses, "hustle." We have to be willing to roll up our sleeves & go to work to be leaders. Good leaders don't take it easy at the top, they get to work alongside those they lead, setting the example for those around them. The day we cease to work hard is the day we cease to lead. Leadership takes hustle.
Leadership also takes initiative. Leaders don't wait around for others to step up, they step out first. They are out front when no one else is. They are takin steps to get the job done no matter who is with them to begin with.
Leaders are self-less. They put others before themselves. They put their personal well being on the back burner & others to the forefront. They serve others & give of themselves. They don't hold back protecting their comfort & safety.
Last of all, leaders have followers. Some Israelites came with these temple leaders as well. We simply cannot lead without followers. The true test of leadership has been said to be turning around to see if anyone is following.
When it comes to the kingdom of God, leadership is essential. How is God leading you to lead? Where do you need to step up, take initiative, take risk, & lead others in kingdom work? Where do we need to risk comfort to lead others?
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