Are you a leader or a follower?
From the earliest days I can recall, a certain pull resided within me. It wasn’t a conscious decision. It wasn’t a carefully crafted ambition. It was more of an intrinsic hum. I had a natural inclination to take the reins. Playdates became orchestrated adventures. School projects became my self-appointed domain. Even among older peers, my voice often rose to direct the course. The answer to the question “Am I a leader or a follower?” has always echoed with unwavering certainty: leader.
This inherent drive, this undeniable urge to guide and initiate, has undeniably brought moments of fulfillment. There is satisfaction in seeing a vision realized. Leading a group towards a shared goal brings joy. Inspiring others to action is rewarding. These are the undeniable blessings of a leadership spirit. Yet, as the years have unfolded, this very strength has revealed its sharper edges. These sharp edges are the inherent curses that often leave me longing for the quiet comfort of simply following.
For every moment of successful orchestration, there are countless others fraught with the lonely weight of responsibility. The leader is the one who shoulders the burden of decisions, often with incomplete information and under immense pressure. When things go wrong, they inevitably do. The gaze of accountability turns squarely towards the one in charge. The sleepless nights are spent wrestling with potential outcomes. There is a constant need to anticipate and plan. The fear of letting others down is ever-present. These are the invisible taxes levied on the leadership soul.
Furthermore, leadership often demands making unpopular choices. To steer a course effectively, one must sometimes deviate from the path of least resistance. This can lead to friction, resentment, and even outright opposition. The desire to be liked and accepted clashes with making tough calls. This conflict leaves the leader feeling isolated and misunderstood. The act of leading often creates a gap between the leader and those being led. This gap fosters a sense of otherness. This feeling can be deeply disheartening.
The emotional toll is significant. Leaders are expected to be pillars of strength, radiating confidence even when uncertainty gnaws within. They must absorb the anxieties and frustrations of their teams, offering reassurance and direction while battling their own internal struggles. This constant outward projection can leave little room for vulnerability, creating a sense of emotional isolation. The weight of caring for the well-being and success of others can become an overwhelming burden.
Perhaps the most pervasive challenge is the constant striving for excellence and the inherent self-criticism that accompanies it. A leader feels the responsibility for the overall outcome acutely, leading to relentless self-evaluation and a persistent fear of failure. The desire to improve, to innovate, and to constantly push boundaries can be exhausting. It leaves little room for contentment and simply being present.
There are days, many days in fact, when the allure of simply following is almost unbearable. The thought of relinquishing the responsibility is enticing. Trusting in another’s vision feels appealing. Contributing without the ultimate weight of decision-making offers a siren song of peace and ease. The freedom from constant vigilance seems like an unimaginable luxury. Focusing solely on a specific task without the broader strategic concerns is equally luxurious.
Yet, if my life’s trajectory and internal compass point so firmly towards leadership, there might be a deeper purpose. It could be at play. Scripture is replete with examples of individuals chosen by God for leadership roles. They are not selected for ease and comfort. Often, they are chosen for periods of immense hardship and sacrifice. Moses was tasked with leading a rebellious people through the wilderness. David was anointed king amidst constant turmoil and betrayal. Nehemiah rebuilt a broken city against fierce opposition. Their stories are not tales of effortless triumph but rather narratives of struggle, perseverance, and profound reliance on God.
The theology woven through these accounts suggests that God’s call to lead is not always a reward. Often, it is a crucible. True character is forged in the face of adversity. A deeper dependence on divine strength is cultivated under the weight of responsibility. The burdens of leadership are heavy. Yet, they can be the tools God uses to refine and shape those He has chosen to guide.
Perhaps this inherent inclination I’ve carried since childhood is not merely a personal trait. This sometimes unwanted mantle of leadership might be a divine assignment. Perhaps, the longing for the quietude of following serves as a constant reminder. It reminds us of the humility and reliance on God that true leadership demands. This journey is paradoxical. It involves leading while yearning to follow. Perhaps within this tension lies the very essence of God’s purpose. It’s not about the title or the accolades. It’s about the willingness to bear the weight and navigate the strife. Ultimately, it’s about pointing those being led towards a greater purpose. It requires trusting in the strength of the One who ultimately leads us all.
A Prayer for Divinely Chosen Leaders
Heavenly Father, Lord of all nations and King of all hearts,
We come before You today with humble spirits, lifting up those whom You have called and appointed to positions of leadership. We recognize that the mantle of leadership, especially when divinely ordained, is both a profound honor and a weighty responsibility, often fraught with trials unseen by many.
Grant them, Lord, an abundance of Your heavenly wisdom, that they may discern Your will amidst the clamor of earthly demands. Give them clarity of thought to make decisions that are just, righteous, and for the ultimate good of those they serve.
Pour out Your strength upon them, Father – strength not only of body, but of mind, spirit, and emotion. When the path is arduous and opposition arises, instill in them unwavering courage and steadfast resolve, rooted in the knowledge that You are with them.
Keep their hearts humble before You, Lord. Remind them that their authority and abilities are gifts from Your hand, intended not for self-aggrandizement, but for service. Cultivate in them a true servant’s heart, mirroring that of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.
Fill them with deep compassion and empathy for those they lead. Help them to see beyond numbers and strategies to the individuals whose lives are impacted by their choices. Grant them patience in difficulty and grace in disagreement.
Guard their integrity, Lord. In a world that often compromises, empower them to stand firm for truth and righteousness. Protect them from the snares of the enemy – from pride, discouragement, loneliness, and the temptation to misuse their influence.
Grant them endurance for the journey. We acknowledge the sacrifices inherent in true leadership – the sleepless nights, the lonely decisions, the misunderstandings, and the personal cost. Sustain them when they are weary, comfort them when they are burdened, and renew their spirits daily.
Surround them with wise counselors and supportive communities. May they not walk this path alone, but find encouragement and strength in fellowship with others who seek Your will.
Above all, Father, may their leadership bring glory to Your name. May their efforts contribute to the flourishing of Your people and the advancement of Your purposes on earth. Remind them often of their ultimate accountability to You, the King of Kings.
We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our ultimate Leader and Shepherd.
Amen.
R-Rated Religion 